Lessons have yet to be learned from the Baby P case, with a number of children murdered or abused since the death two years ago, according to research conducted by The Observer. Baby P, later revealed as Peter, was on Haringey’s child protection register and, despite numerous visits to his home by social services, doctors and police, died in August 2007 aged 17 months with 50 injuries.
Amongst the horrendous cases that have come to light include Sanam Navsarka, who suffered over 100 injuries in the 4 weeks prior to her death in May 2008. The Baby P case was well documented and some high profile jobs were lost at the top. The head of Children’s Services in Haringey, a social worker and three managers were all dismissed. However, in view of the clear ongoing problems in the area it appears that any reforms have not been thorough enough and that abused children are still slipping through under the radar. Following the death of a further abused child, Victoria Climbié, a review headed by Lord Laming said that the child protection register must be given higher priority if vulnerable young people are to be protected from abuse.
According to the BBC website, Haringey’s new council leader Claire Kober has pledged to “transform” child welfare in the borough. It remains to be seen if she will be able to turn around the system and reduce some of the longstanding failings. Child abuse is undoubtedly horrific and the physical injuries detailed in cases above are shocking. But abuse can also cause massive mental scarring and psychological problems, particularly in building new relationships with people.