Vox Pop: Will the full publication of SCRs improve understanding?
Monday, November 1, 2010
Two serious case reviews (SCRs) into Baby Peter's death have been published to improve transparency in child protection.
YES - Hilton Dawson, chief executive, British Association of Social Workers
If they are actually used effectively by local safeguarding children boards, the media and us all, then yes. The public are entitled to clear information on how child protection systems work to help them understand the real issues behind the headlines. Professionals are entitled to the full and open exposition of all the learning from serious case reviews to support practice improvement.
While it is important to end the secrecy that surrounds serious case reviews, we clearly must ensure that the identities of those featured in them are protected. I was pleased to have a personal reassurance from Tim Loughton about this matter.
NO - Matt Dunkley, vice-president, Association of Directors of Children's Services
SCRs in their current form have become a bureaucratic end in themselves rather than an opportunity for reflection. They do little to improve public understanding of the complexity involved in child protection across agencies, nor do they provide professionals with the information they need to improve practice.
We hope the Munro review will offer alternative ways of learning from such tragedies that allow the public and professionals to understand what went wrong and why, as well as what steps professionals and their managers can take to help prevent similar circumstances leading to similar results.
YES - Jo Webber, deputy director of policy, NHS Confederation
The full publication of both reports into the tragic death of Baby Peter highlighted a number of areas where services were failing, notably an effective integration of health and social care. Publishing every serious case review in full may not always be deemed appropriate for reasons of sensitivity around the case or privacy of the persons involved.
But where it is apparent that there have been serious failings in services because of a lack of co-ordination and communication, having a full review can help all organisations consider how best to improve their services and how they can best serve the people they are there to help.
YES - Mor Dioum, director, Victoria Climbie Foundation
The full publication of the serious case review into the death of Baby Peter achieved a number of interesting results. For one, it removed the mystique surrounding serious case reviews, and gave the public an opportunity to see what a complete report looks like.
The release laid bare the failings of the authorities and was widely reported to a public anxious to know how this child was allowed to be killed. We believe that in being open and acknowledging such failings, the sector can begin improving the system.
This is the best that can be taken from such tragic cases. Full disclosure must continue to be used as a tool for change.