This report provides the findings of a Serious Case Review that was undertaken during 2011 following significant injuries to Child K who was at the time subject to a Child Protection Plan. Child K was born in Tameside in April 2010. Both his parents are believed to have some form of learning difficulty. When he was 2 weeks old, bruises were identified on his leg and he was placed with foster parents. In August 2010, a police investigation concluded that there was no basis for a criminal prosecution and he was returned to his parent’s care subject to a Child Protection Plan. In January 2011 further unexplained injuries were identified during a home visit. Medical examinations subsequently confirmed that Child K had a number of bruises as well as having sustained 5 limb fractures.
This report provides the findings of a Serious Case Review that was undertaken during 2011 following significant injuries to Child K who was at the time subject to a Child Protection Plan. Child K was born in Tameside in April 2010. Both his parents are believed to have some form of learning difficulty. When he was 2 weeks old, bruises were identified on his leg and he was placed with foster parents. In August 2010, a police investigation concluded that there was no basis for a criminal prosecution and he was returned to his parent’s care subject to a Child Protection Plan. In January 2011 further unexplained injuries were identified during a home visit. Medical examinations subsequently confirmed that Child K had a number of bruises as well as having sustained 5 limb fractures. It was further noted that Child K appeared to have developmental delay. Following a police investigation, both parents have been charged with wounding and neglect. This Serious Case Review establishes the facts and analyses the actions and practice of the agencies which provided services to Child K and his family. It identifies 5 key themes in the management of the case: assessment; effectiveness of planning and intervention; engagement with Child K’s parents; effective multi-agency working; and supervision and reflective practice. These themes form the basis of a number of recommendations intended to improve future practice.
Subject terms:
injuries, interagency cooperation, parents with learning disabilities, serious case reviews, assessment, child abuse, child protection;