Serious Case Reviews

SCRs are undertaken when a child dies (including death by suspected suicide), and abuse or neglect is known or suspected to be a factor in the death. Additionally, LSCBs may decide to conduct a SCR whenever a child has been seriously harmed in the following situations:

• a child sustains a potentially life-threatening injury or serious and permanent impairment of physical and mental health and development through abuse or neglect;
• a child has been seriously harmed as a result of being subjected to sexual abuse;
• a parent has been murdered and a domestic homicide review is being initiated under the Domestic Violence Act 2004;
• a child has been seriously harmed following a violent assault perpetrated by another child or an adult;

and the case gives rise to concerns about the way in which local professionals and services worked together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. This includes inter-agency and inter-disciplinary working.

The prime purpose of a SCR is for agencies and individuals to learn lessons to improve the way in which they work both individually and collectively to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

For reviews undertaken in York please see below: