This Child Safeguarding Practice Review has recently been published by Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership and looks into the case of Child C who was sexually abused by their male foster carer. Please note the opening of this episode does contain a letter written by the child themselves about the abuse they faced which some listeners may find difficult to hear.

Learning themes include:

-The importance of consistent, responsive and reliable professionals

- The difference between constancy and consistency

-Speaking to children away from their homes and those that may be perpetrating abuse

-Thinking the unthinkable when it comes to foster carers abusing their position of trust

-Considering how we respond to concerns and allegations when children are watching

-Avoiding an over focus on the adults and taking note when a child retracts allegations

-Recognising that being fully compliant does not mean neglect or abuse is not present

Today’s episode focuses on a review recently published by Lambeth Safeguarding Children Partnership and refers to a family the report calls the Manning Family. This review was deemed necessary after a young boy was found with indecent and sexual abuse images of children on his phone. This formed part of some wider concerns that already existed including the potential sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect of children with disabilities.

Learning themes include:

-Understanding the vulnerabilities of children with disabilities

-Race, ethnicity, adultification bias and cultural considerations

-Professional curiosity

-Listening and capturing the voice of the child

-Drift and delay

Bethany (aged 26) and her son Darren, better known as DJ (aged 9) were both murdered at their family home by Bethany’s former partner in the May of 2021 following a period of physical and psychological abuse. The perpetrator had a history of violence, including a conviction for domestic assault on a former partner. This episode looks at the findings from the joint Domestic Homicide Review and Child Safeguarding Practice Review published by Safer Lincolnshire Partnership and Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Learning themes include:

-The importance of recognising domestic abuse harm to children

-Understanding of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (also known as Clare’s Law)

- Power and control dynamics of domestic abuse

-Understanding separation as a risk factor and the link to Dr Jane Monkton Smith’s ‘8 Step Timeline in Domestic Homicide’

- Supporting non-abusive parents and challenging abuse parents

- The importance of taking threats seriously