Tameside SCB

The prime purpose of a Serious Case Review (SCR) is for agencies and individuals to learn lessons to improve the way in which they work both individually and collectively to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The lessons learned should be disseminated effectively, and the recommendations should be implemented in a timely manner so that the changes required result, wherever possible, in children being protected from suffering or being likely to suffer harm in the future. It is essential, to maximise the quality of learning, that the child’s daily life experiences and an understanding of his or her welfare, wishes and feelings are at the centre of the SCR, irrespective of whether the child died or was seriously harmed. This perspective should inform the scope and terms of reference of the SCR as well as the ways in which the information is presented and addressed at all stages of the process, including the conclusions and recommendations. Reviews vary in their breadth and complexity but, in all cases, where possible lessons should be acted upon quickly without necessarily waiting for the SCR to be completed.

Guidance on Serious Case Reviews is contained in Working Together to Safeguard Children (Chapter 8).

The TSCB also publishes guidance on Serious Case Reviews which can be accessed here.

The government has published a new series of evaluations of serious case reviews across England. The latest was published on 1st October 2010 and can be accessed here:

The NSPCC has a web resource that lists recent SCRs and provides links to their publication online. These can be accessed here: 

Tameside Safeguarding Children Board has published a Serious Case Review Executive Summary, re child J, completed in March 2009.

Tameside Safeguarding Children Board has published a Serious Case Review Executive Summary, re child C, completed in February 2010.

1.            Introduction

1.1 This report summarises the findings from a Serious Case Review that was held in order to consider agency involvement with Child C.  Following a serious incident whereby Child C was made the subject of an Emergency Protection Order, Tameside Safeguarding Children Board made a decision to conduct a Serious Case Review. The Serious Case Review was held to give consideration as to how well each agency had responded to any known safeguarding concerns, as well as to how well agencies had worked together to promote the welfare of Child C and  complied with safeguarding procedures to take protective action in a timely manner.           

Tameside Safeguarding Children Board has published a Serious Case Review Executive Summary, re child D, completed in February 2010.

1.0       INTRODUCTION

1.1       This report is the executive summary of the findings from a Serious Case Review that was held in order to consider agency involvement with Child D.

1.2       Reports of this nature are required and shaped by the statutory guidelines in a Government document entitled “Working Together to Safeguard Children” – (available from The Stationery Office – www.tsoshop.co.uk.)

1.3       Working Together sets out expectations of organisations and individuals who have particular responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

1.4       Chapter 8 of these guidelines is headed “Serious Case Reviews” and sets out the circumstances when a child’s death or serious neglect should prompt a review of the involvement of organisations and professionals with the child and family; that review is expected to consider whether there are any lessons to be learnt that might shape future responses and practice in similar cases.

1.5       Serious Case Reviews are not inquiries into culpability; that is a matter for Criminal Courts to determine, as appropriate.