Kirklees Serious Case Reviews
Introduction
A serious case review is always undertaken when a child dies and abuse or neglect is known or suspected to be a factor in the death.
Additionally a serious case review is always considered where:
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A child sustains a potentially life threatening injury or serious and permanent impairment of health and development through abuse and neglect; or
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A child has been subjected to particularly serious sexual abuse; or
- A parent has been murdered and a homicide review is being initiated; or
- A child has been killed by a parent with a mental illness; and
- The case gives rise to concerns about inter agency working to protect children from harm.
Process
A serious case review is a formal process of bringing together the records of all agencies that have had involvement with the child and family. An overview report is produced which provides a complete picture of events. This report contains analysis of contact with the child and family and decision making, it draws conclusions and makes recommendations.
The review process:
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establishes whether there are lessons to be learnt from the case about the way in which local professionals and organisations work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children
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identifies clearly what those lessons are, how they will be acted on, and what is expected to change as a result; and
- as a consequence, aims to improve inter-agency working to better safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
Learning from Serious Case Reviews
Learning lessons and bringing about improvements in inter-agency working practice are key outcomes of the review process. One of the ways in which the Safeguarding Children Board can share information about serious case reviews is through publication of executive summaries. These contain a summary of each case, the terms of reference, the conclusions and the recommendations.
Executive Summaries
Executive summaries from serious case reviews undertaken in Kirklees can be viewed below:
