Summary of the national review into the death of baby Victoria Marten

This national safeguarding practice review for England¹ was carried out following the findings from the rapid review into the death of baby Victoria Marten in 2023. It looks at the broader themes raised by the death of baby Victoria and present in other serious safeguarding incidents involving unborn infants and babies. It aims to identify systemic learning that can strengthen safeguarding practice for all vulnerable babies.

The review was informed by 43 interviews, 53 practitioner perspectives, and analysis of 41 relevant rapid reviews and Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews (LCSPRs).

Our briefing summarises the key findings and learning from the report, including:

• the need for earlier and stronger pre-birth safeguarding
• the importance of trauma-informed practice to help reach families who struggle to work with professionals
• the need for better engagement with and support for parents before and after children are removed through care proceedings
• the need for adult and children’s services to work closely together
• implementing stronger links between children’s social care and offender management services, especially when serious sex offenders are parents or carers
• the need for clearer arrangements when families frequently move between areas.