This briefing looks at case reviews published between 2018 and 2022 which involved children aged two and under.
The large number of case reviews published during this period where children aged two and under were seriously harmed or died reflects the fact that this age group is particularly vulnerable. Infants are unable to communicate their needs verbally so professionals must identify safeguarding and child protection concerns through other means.
The learning from these reviews highlights that practitioners may need training and support to:
Published: March 2023
Our series of thematic briefings highlight the learning from case reviews conducted when a child dies, or is seriously harmed, as a result of abuse or neglect. Each briefing focuses on a different topic or learning for specific sectors, pulling together key risk factors and practice recommendations.
We work with local safeguarding partners to ensure that learning from case reviews can be accessed and shared at a local, regional and national level.
Find out how you can apply the lessons from case reviews and improve your practice to help protect children and young people.
Browse through our list of child safeguarding practice reviews, serious case reviews, significant case reviews and child practice reviews which were added to the National case review repository between 2017 and 2023.
Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter alerting you to the case reviews we have added to the National collection of case reviews repository at the NSPCC.
See our briefing on sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) in England from June 2018 to August 2019. Key findings are taken from the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel’s review and includes key learning and recommendations.
Work with children and families? Our information looks at risk and vulnerability factors that help identify whether children or families require extra support to help keep children safe.
Are you a social worker or practitioner? Tune into our episode on understanding the developmental needs and vulnerabilities of infants under two.