Review: The Story of Baby P: Setting the Record Straight

Getting the facts right about Baby Peter

This is a fascinating book for anyone interested in how agencies work together to protect children. Ray Jones, professor of social work at Kingston University, has written an engaging examination of how politics, political connections and the media can not only affect the national child protection landscape, but also individuals within it - and he pulls no punches.

The book claims it is setting the record straight on the terrible story of little Peter Connelly and it certainly appears to do that. But is he preaching to the converted? It is my guess that the majority who read this book will be involved in children's social care and it certainly confirms what those of us who have had long careers in this field have known for many years, namely that when a child dies in tragic circumstances, social care is the eternal scapegoat who simply cannot win in the eyes of the tabloid press, no matter what action they have taken.