Archie Spriggs
2 Dec 2019 · Coroner John Ellery · Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin
The coroner's concerns
1. restricted documents
“These concerns are based upon the SCR whose author was , Independent Safeguarding Consultant. Whilst the SCR is a public document feeding into it were 15 Individual Management Reviews (IMRs) which predated the SCR and are restricted documents.”
2. referral pathway and decision-making process
“SSCB to clarify, and subsequently audit the application of the referral pathway and decision-making process for referrals to Early Help and Children's Social Care. This should include the use and quality of written referral forms and feedback to referrers.”
3. referral of urgent concerns and timely child centred response
“SSCB to seek regular assurance that: i. Professionals understand how to refer urgent concerns in respect of cases open to Children's Social Care; ii. Children's Social Care provide a timely and child centred response to this information.”
4. impact of protracted private law proceedings on children's emotional wellbeing; factors to be considered and assessed in
“SSCB to provide the multi-agency workforce with the knowledge and understanding of i. the impact of protracted private law proceedings on children's emotional wellbeing; ii. the factors to be considered and assessed in circumstances whereby separated parents make allegations about the welfare of their children iii. the features of filicide cases.”
5. services provided to children referred to Children's Social Care whose parents are separated and where private law
“SSCB to conduct a multi-agency audit of the services provided to children referred to Children's Social Care whose parents are separated and where private law proceedings have taken place. The audit should consider the completion of whole family assessments and the response to safeguarding concerns and allegations of domestic abuse.”
6. notification process for Section 37 reports
“SSCB to work with Local Family Justice Board (LFJB) and CAFCASS to review the notification process for Section 37 reports to ensure timely and consistent arrangements.”