Infants: learning from case reviews
Summary of risk factors and learning for improved practice around working with children aged two and under
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:
- identify and understand lived experience of very young children
- understand how parents’ behaviour can affect a baby in the long term
- be confident in challenging parents if necessary.
Published: March 2023
Browse our full series of learning from case reviews briefings
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.
More about case reviews
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.
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