Legacy must be to protect other children

Graham Badman12 April 2012

It is clear that every member of staff in every agency involved with Baby Peter was appropriately qualified, well-motivated and wanted to do their best to safeguard him.

But his horrifying death could and should have been prevented.

The Serious Case Review says that if doctors, lawyers, police officers and social workers had adopted a more urgent, thorough and challenging approach, the case would have been stopped in its tracks at the first serious incident.

Baby Peter deserved better from the services that were supposed to protect him. It's a dreadful tragedy that he did not receive better protection.

Cases like that of Peter involve problems or raise questions that are not unique to Haringey.

The most important lessons from this case need to be learned across Britain and placed in the context of the Government's determination to safeguard children. I believe the most important lesson arising from this case is that professionals charged with ensuring child safety must be deeply sceptical of any explanations, justifications or excuses they may hear in connection with the apparent maltreatment of children.

If they have any doubt about the cause of physical injuries or what appears to be maltreatment they should act swiftly and decisively. If this review provides any form of legacy for Baby Peter it is that the lessons ensure the greater safety of children and young people elsewhere.

Graham Badman, independent chair of Haringey's Local Safeguarding Children Board

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