Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSRCN calls for social services review following tragic 'Baby P' case
The RCN has backed the government’s nationwide review of child protection services following the death of ‘Baby P’, a 17-month old child in Haringey, North London.
A 32 year-old man, the boyfriend of the toddler’s mother, has been found guilty at the Old Bailey of causing or allowing the death in August last year.
The child’s 27 year-old mother pleaded guilty of the same charge and will be sentenced on 15 December.
House guest Jason Owen, 36, from Bromley, south east London was also found guilty of causing or allowing the death. The family cannot be named for legal reasons.
The court heard that the abuse took place over eight months while ‘Baby P’ was on the child protection register of Haringey social services.
A doctor failed to spot the boy’s broken spine in the 48 hours before the boy was found dead in his own cot and his mother had covered bruises with chocolate to hide them from social services, the court heard.
Peter Carter, RCN general secretary, said: ‘Eight years after the death of Victoria Climbie, the system is not in place to prevent a similar tragedy, and Government, Trusts and local authorities must show greater leadership, and provide greater investment in training and access to Designated and Named Professionals.
‘This would equip every part of the country with an adequate safeguarding and child protection service. The RCN looks forward to playing a full part in the Review announced today.’
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