Law and Policy
This 1989 UK Act provides the legal framework for child protection and places the welfare of the child as the paramount concern.
The Children Act 1989
This term refers to a systematic review of a case in which a child was seriously harmed or died to identify lessons and improve future practice.
Child Safeguarding Practice Review
This term refers to an adult who is at increased risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation due to factors such as disability, age, mental health issues, or physical frailty.
Vulnerable Adult
This agency, is typically involved in the medical assessment of children who may be victims of abuse or neglect, working closely with social services and law enforcement.
NHS
In 2008, this high-profile SCR led to major reforms in the UK's child protection system, following the death of a child due to abuse despite repeated contact with social services.
Baby P (Peter Connelly)
This 2014 Act requires local authorities to make inquiries when they suspect an adult is at risk of abuse or neglect, aiming to improve care and safeguarding for vulnerable adults.
The Care Act 2014
Local Safeguarding Children's Board were replaced by what in 2019, taking responsibility for commissioning Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews?
Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements
This document is produced following the death or serious injury of a vulnerable adult, typically when abuse or neglect is suspected, and aims to review the effectiveness of agencies involved in protection.
Serious Case Review
This agency works in close collaboration with social services in cases of suspected child abuse, conducting investigations and, when necessary, bringing criminal charges.
Police
This young girl’s tragic death in 2000 led to a high-profile inquiry, was a landmark case in child protection, lead to significant changes in the way child safeguarding is handled.
Victoria Climbe
According to the Children Act 2004, this term describes who's responsibility to investigate if they believe a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm also known as a Section 47.
Local Authorities
The purpose of a Child Safeguarding Practice Review is not to apportion blame, but to understand systemic failings. What are the two main takeaways from reviews?
Lessons Learnt and Actions Taken
Following an adult’s death or injury, this multi-agency body conducts a Serious Case Review, which includes input from social services, the police, and health organizations.
Safeguarding Adults Board
This charity, dedicated to protecting children from abuse and neglect, works alongside statutory agencies and provides a range of support services for victims, including a helpline for anyone worried about a child’s safety.
NSPCC
This man, whose tragic death in 2010 led to a Serious Case Review, was a vulnerable adult with learning disabilities who suffered severe abuse at the hands of his carers. His case highlighted failures in care systems in Cornwall and prompted calls for better safeguarding.
Stephan Hoskins
This Act established the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), which maintains a list of individuals barred from working with vulnerable adults (and children).
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
When conducting a Child Safeguarding Practice Review, local authorities are required to report to this national entity, which is responsible for overseeing and publishing relevant national findings.
Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel
This statutory service, usually delivered by local councils, assesses and supports adults with care and support needs, often intervening when there is a risk of abuse or neglect.
Adult Social Care
This UK charity advocates for adults with learning disabilities or mental health issues, working to ensure their rights are upheld and that they are protected from abuse and exploitation.
MENCAP
This report, following the review of a vulnerable adult’s death in 2011, led to calls for increased regulation and better oversight of care services for adults at risk of abuse.
The Winterbourne View Hospital Serious Case Review
This Act can include protection for employees reporting abuse, neglect, or other safeguarding concerns, ensuring they don't face retaliation for whistleblowing.
Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998
This term refers to the review process that is mandated after a child dies or is seriously harmed, examining whether agencies could have intervened sooner.
Multi-Agency Review (serious case review accepted)
This regulatory body is responsible for inspecting and monitoring health and social care services in England, ensuring they meet required standards to protect vulnerable adults from harm.
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
This agency is responsible for setting national policies and frameworks for adult safeguarding in England, helping local authorities and organizations protect vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect.
Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
Following the 2008 Baby P case, this report, published by Lord Laming, called for substantial reforms to improve the coordination of child protection services, including the creation of a new independent child protection agency.
The Laming Report