Care Inspectorate report into child deaths makes several recommendations

A report looking at reviews into child deaths in Scotland has identified a number of areas for improvement.

Significant case reviews (SCRs) are carried out when a youngster has died, been seriously harmed, or where they have been at risk of harm.

The Care Inspectorate looked at SCRs involving 23 children – 11 of whom died – which were carried out over three years from April 2012.

The body said some practitioners working in mental health did not give sufficient consideration to the potential impact of the patient’s difficulties on their role as a parent.

A weakness was also identified in planning and support for unborn babies where the mother moves accommodation and there is confusion over which local authority and health board is responsible.

The majority of the SCRs identified training issues and almost half cited staffing difficulties as a factor in the case.

High staff turnover was a particular problem where it meant children were subjected to frequent changes of social worker and care arrangements.

The report makes several recommendations, including that the Scottish Government and child protection committees work together.

Chief executive Karen Reid said: “Strong local leadership and a clear focus on working together to improve outcomes for every child in Scotland are essential if we are to prevent harm, keep children safe and reduce health and social inequalities.”