Child Sam 6 Step Briefing Serious Case Review

Child Sam 6 Step Briefing Serious Case Review Full report available http: //sscb. safeguardingsomerset. org. uk/worki ng-with-children/serious-case-reviews/

The Background Child Sam was 6 months old when he was brought to a Minor Injury Unit (MIU) by his (step) aunt and (step) grandmother. Following respiratory arrest he was taken to the local District Hospital and subsequently to Bristol Children’s Hospital Intensive Care Unit.

Safeguarding Concerns The family had repeated contact with a range of health professionals, who noted an escalating number of risk factors. The professionals working with the family either failed to recognise the significance of the risks or analyse the potential impact that these risks might have on the parents’ ability to care for Sam.

The Incident Sam’s injuries were due to non-accidental/ inflicted injury. Sam is blind with reduced hearing, he is unable to feed and he cannot protect his airway. His brain damage is severe and irreversible. There is no chance of a normal development and very little chance of any development at all. Sam’s stepfather was found guilty of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and received a custodial sentence.

The Review �The SCR was undertaken by the SSCB with full co- operation of Somerset agencies. �The time frame for the review was from September 2014 to Sam’s injury in November 2015.

The Findings �Use of pre-birth procedures is essential in understanding the family history and any risk factors that may be present for the unborn baby, and the mother. �Understanding the significance of family history is vital. It is well documented that women (and men) who have been in one abusive relationship are at increased risk of further abusive relationships.

The Findings �Agencies must be more effective in the identification of and response to the risk and vulnerabilities within families where domestic abuse is a concern in order to further safeguard children. �Professionals working in universal services have a responsibility to identify the symptoms and triggers of abuse and neglect, to share that information and work together to provide children and young people with the help they need.

Themes to consider �Disguised compliance �Respectful uncertainty �Healthy scepticism �Engagement �Thinking the unthinkable �Understanding and challenging thresholds �History as a predictor of possible future events

Disguised compliance �Disguised compliance involves parents giving the appearance of co-operating with child welfare agencies to avoid raising suspicions and allay concerns. Published case reviews highlight that professionals sometimes delay or avoid interventions due to parental disguised compliance. �professionals need to establish the facts and gather evidence about what is actually happening, rather than accepting parent’s presenting behaviour and assertions. By focussing on outcomes rather than processes professionals can keep the focus of their work on the child. http: //www. nspcc. org. uk/preventing-abuse/child-protection-system/casereviews/learning/disguised-compliance/

Closer liaison between agencies working with the same family Consultation Line (Designated Leads only) 0300 123 3078 Monday to Friday 9 am -4 pm Early Help Advice Hub Telephone (01823) 355803 Monday to Friday 9 am - 4 pm