Teesside care teams failed neglected young children – report

HEALTH and social care teams in Middlesbrough have been condemned for failing three children who were seriously neglected by their mother.

South Tees Local Safeguarding Children Board today published the findings of a serious case review into the neglect of a young child and two babies from Middlesbrough during a five-year period between 2003 and 2008.

The 28-page report criticised agencies for everything from failing to follow procedures and poor assessment to a lack of leadership and a failure to share information that should have set alarm bells ringing.

Social workers and health visitors saw the children on a number of occasions but failed to safeguard their wellbeing despite the mother having a history of neglect and a tendency to get involved in relationships characterised by substance misuse and domestic violence.

By 2008 the two babies had suffered severe neglect and were diagnosed with serious developmental delay while their sister, a child under five, referred to only as Child S, suffered years of emotional neglect.

Gill Rollings, Executive Director for Children, Families and Learning in Middlesbrough Council, said: “The matters raised in this review are serious and I am sorry that we failed to help the children concerned when they most needed it.

“Action was taken to address shortcomings well before the review process was completed. This has included senior management action and changes to management and supervision arrangements.

“We are also working with social workers to improve assessment processes and recording and ensure a clear focus on the needs of children.”