Nothing could have been done to prevent death of teenager in care – SRC

Nothing more could have been done to prevent the death of a Pembrokeshire teenager in the care of social services, a serious care review has said today.

Seren Bernard’s body was found in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, in April 2012.

An Executive Summary has been published of a Serious Case Review into the death of the teenager on on April 2, 2012.

The report was written by an independent author provided by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering.

Although the review made several recommendations for improvement, it concluded that it would remain uncertain as to whether there were any steps that, if taken, would have prevented the death of Child M, as she is referred to in the report.

A spokesperson for the Local Safeguarding Children Board said: “The death of any child is a profound loss and all the professionals involved feel a deep sympathy for the child and her family.

“Lessons can always be learnt from these tragic events and all agencies on the Local Safeguarding Children Board are fully committed to implementing the recommendations made.”

Following Seren’s death Pembrokeshire council referred the matter to the Pembrokeshire Local Safeguarding Children’s Board saying a child’s death was “a matter of great concern and sadness” in all circumstances.