Child Protection
This report distinguishes and compares one main child abuse case post 2005 with two pre 2004 cases. In the analysis of the three cases, commonalities and distinguishing factors will be examined and critically discussed, thereby demonstrating clear and sound understanding of child abuse. Recent theory on child abuse and relevant models of such abuse and their ramifications and effect on the Early Years Setting, where I am currently employed will be one of the main focus points of this paper.
The main case that I have chosen to investigate is that of Peter Connelly, commonly known as Baby P. The Telegraph (2009) states “Tracey Connelly, alongside her boyfriend Steven Barker and his brother Jason Owen, were jailed for causing or allowing the death of her 17-month-old son Peter in August 2007.” http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/baby-p/6441976/Baby-P-Tracy-Connelly-drops-appeal-against-sentence.html
The Guardian (2009) identifies the sequence of events in Peter’s short life. On March 1st 2006 Peter is born, on 17th July Peter’s father leaves home in Haringey. By December Connelly’s new boyfriend, Barker moves in to the home. On 11th December Connelly and her mother are arrested after a GP spots that Peter has a head injury and other bruises. Soon after, Peter is placed on the Haringey child protection register for physical abuse and neglect. Peter is cared for by a family friend, however on 26th January Peter is returned to his mother, even though she is still on police bail. By 9th April Connelly takes him to North Middlesex hospital. Staff identify bruises and scratches on him. Three months later, social worker Maria Ward informs the police of bruising on Peter 's face during an unannounced visit. Staff at North Middlesex hospital find twelve areas of bruising. Social services arrange for a family friend to supervise the baby 's care. Within one month at a legal planning meeting it is decided that the case did not meet the threshold for care proceedings.
The main case that I have chosen to investigate is that of Peter Connelly, commonly known as Baby P. The Telegraph (2009) states “Tracey Connelly, alongside her boyfriend Steven Barker and his brother Jason Owen, were jailed for causing or allowing the death of her 17-month-old son Peter in August 2007.” http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/baby-p/6441976/Baby-P-Tracy-Connelly-drops-appeal-against-sentence.html
The Guardian (2009) identifies the sequence of events in Peter’s short life. On March 1st 2006 Peter is born, on 17th July Peter’s father leaves home in Haringey. By December Connelly’s new boyfriend, Barker moves in to the home. On 11th December Connelly and her mother are arrested after a GP spots that Peter has a head injury and other bruises. Soon after, Peter is placed on the Haringey child protection register for physical abuse and neglect. Peter is cared for by a family friend, however on 26th January Peter is returned to his mother, even though she is still on police bail. By 9th April Connelly takes him to North Middlesex hospital. Staff identify bruises and scratches on him. Three months later, social worker Maria Ward informs the police of bruising on Peter 's face during an unannounced visit. Staff at North Middlesex hospital find twelve areas of bruising. Social services arrange for a family friend to supervise the baby 's care. Within one month at a legal planning meeting it is decided that the case did not meet the threshold for care proceedings.
Bibliography: Corby, B (2009) Child Abuse towards a better knowledge, UK, Oxford University Press Daly, M Byers, E and Taylor, W (2009) Early Years Management in practice, UK, Heinemann Firth, L (2009) Tackling Child Abuse, UK, Independence Hughes, L Johnson,P (1990) Understanding the Problem- Child Abuse, UK, Crowood Press Kay, J (2003) A Practical Guide to Protecting Children, UK, Continuum Macleod-Brudenall, I Kay, J (2008) Advanced Early Years, UK, Heinemann Wilson, K James, A (2008) The Child Protection Handbook, China Bailliere Tindall Elsevier http://www.bristol-inquiry.org.uk/images/sem1/0002/sem10002%20(0335-0350).pdf (Accessed:2.2.12)