Police: learning from case reviews
Summary of risk factors and learning for improved police practice
Police often have significant contact with families prior to the incidents that trigger case reviews. Police can come into contact with children in a number of different ways.
They can be directly involved when young people commit offences, go missing from home or when offences are committed against children.
They may also become involved indirectly, through the criminal behaviour of parents or carers. Police have a key role to play in removing children from immediate danger, investigating and arresting perpetrators of child abuse, and sharing information and intelligence about the risks young people are exposed to.
Case reviews highlight that police need to work closely with other agencies to respond quickly and holistically to child protection concerns.
Police need to be aware of the impact of abuse and neglect on children, and recognise the signs of abuse. They also need to consider how the criminal behaviour of family members affects children.
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.
Related resources
