Report uncovers neglect of babies

Two independent reports into the care of two children in Nottinghamshire have found they could have been better protected.

The case reviews of a four-month-old girl and an 11-month-old boy have been published after major failings in their care were highlighted.

Both had injuries but in the case of the girl, hers were only discovered after she died of unrelated causes.

In both cases the mothers misused drugs and were known to social services.

One mother had an older child who was taken into care and the other had a child who was referred to social services seven times in three years.

Death investigated

Serious case reviews are normally undertaken when a child dies and abuse or neglect is suspected to be a factor in the death.

The reports - carried out by Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board - found that agencies could have worked more effectively to protect the children leading to the incidents which occurred in 2007.

The four-month-old baby girl died unexpectedly in late 2007 while sleeping on a settee at home.

Circumstances surrounding her death were investigated after an examination revealed she had suffered fractures.

Her death was subsequently recorded as a Sudden Infant Death (SIDS) and the injuries were assessed as "not related to the cause of death", the report said.

Prior to the girl's death, various agencies were aware of family problems and according to the report, the father had a history of mental health problems and dependency on alcohol and drugs while the mother became dependent on drugs after the birth of her first child.

'Unexplained bruising'

The case review of the 11-month-old boy found he received bruises and abrasions while in the care of his mother. Prior to his birth there had been "a range of concerns identified relating to her parenting abilities", the report said.

After his birth a multi-agency plan had been put in place to monitor and support the family.

The review findings highlighted renewed concerns after the mother's mental health deteriorated and a number of incidents of domestic violence occurred.

Everyone who works with children in Nottinghamshire will continue to do all they can to support them in what can be challenging family circumstances

Anthony May, Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board

However, the professionals involved found it "increasingly difficult to gain access to monitor his progress" and concerns about the baby's welfare grew especially over "unexplained bruising".

He has now been removed from the care of his mother. She has since been convicted of assault.

The serious case reviews recommended that a specific action plan should be put in place so that some babies can be on the social services' radar before they are born.

The reports also said there should be better communication because at one meeting some professionals felt their concerns were not properly taken into account.

Nottinghamshire County Council has since appointed a new director of children's services, Anthony May, who is also chairman of Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board.

Mr May said: "The reviews concluded that there were problems in the way in which these families' needs were assessed.

"We took immediate action to improve in the areas highlighted by the reviews. These include changes to management, staff and processes.

"Everyone who works with children in Nottinghamshire will continue to do all they can to support them in what can be challenging family circumstances."