Information sharing a problem in baby murder case
Tom Lloyd
Thursday, February 14, 2008
A safeguarding review in Northamptonshire has concluded that better information sharing could have prevented the murder of a baby.
Jessica Randall was killed by her father in November 2005, aged 54 days, despite numerous visits from health professionals and a stay in hospital. At no point were child protection procedures implemented.
Northamptonshire Local Safeguarding Children Board has published a serious case review in which it finds that communication between health agencies and children and young people's services could have been clearer.
It also states that data on the case was stored in a range of different systems, so there was no single record available to professionals.
Although the review makes a series of recommendations for improved working practices it does not apportion blame to any agency.
Natalie Cronin, head of policy and public affairs at child protection charity NSPCC, said: "It is everyone's responsibility to be vigilant to signs of abuse and report any concerns they have."
Northamptonshire Local Safeguarding Children Board has published a serious case review in which it finds that communication between health agencies and children and young people's services could have been clearer.
It also states that data on the case was stored in a range of different systems, so there was no single record available to professionals.
Although the review makes a series of recommendations for improved working practices it does not apportion blame to any agency.
Natalie Cronin, head of policy and public affairs at child protection charity NSPCC, said: "It is everyone's responsibility to be vigilant to signs of abuse and report any concerns they have."