It was also noted that recruiting social workers in Bradford “became more difficult during the pandemic”, adding: “With staff working from home, it was difficult for managers to introduce, support and get to know the employees of the agencies joining the their teams. Working from home limits learning and development opportunities in support of better practice. “
The review committee is also considered to be “deeply concerned” about how easily the evidence of abuse presented by the extended families of the two children is rejected.
Concerns about Arthur’s bruises raised by family members were not taken seriously, while for Star, the suggestion that a family member maliciously reported his concerns because he disliked her mother’s same-sex relationship was “too easily accepted,” he said. the review.
The review also says that the role of women in abuse may have affected the way professionals perceive the risk to children, “given public beliefs about women as carers.”
The panel recommended that the government set up child protection units in each local area, which will consist of police, health staff and social workers.
In the preface to the report, President Hudson said there were too many ambiguities and inconsistencies in the current protection system that did not serve children, their families or professionals well.
The panel interviewed just under 80 professionals in Bradford, Birmingham and Solihull, as well as family members of the children, including Starr’s mother and her partner.
After the children died, Tustin was convicted of killing Arthur and Hughes for manslaughter, and Brockhill was convicted of killing Starr, while Smith was convicted of causing or allowing her death.
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