Brighton & Hove Safeguarding Children Partnership statement on the Child Safeguarding Practice Review published today

Date: Wednesday, 16th Nov 2022 | Category: Uncategorized

The Brighton & Hove Safeguarding Children Partnership has today (Wednesday 16 November 2022) published the independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review it commissioned into the tragic death of Asiah Kudi (aged 20 months), who died in December 2019 having been left alone by her mother for six days.

Written by independent reviewer Edina Carmi, the review looks at what lessons should be learnt and what needs to be put in place to do all we can to prevent a similar tragedy ever happening again.

Speaking following the publication, Chris Robson, Independent Chair and Scrutineer of the partnership said: “The death of any child in circumstances such as these, where neglect is a significant factor, is a terrible tragedy.

“Today, as they have been throughout this process, our thoughts are first and foremost with Asiah’s family and we are truly sorry for their loss.

“Our thoughts are also with the community and all those affected by Asiah’s death, including staff from all the agencies who worked to support her and her mother.

“The purpose of the review is to learn lessons and make improvements to safeguarding for all children in the future, and we accept the report’s recommendations in full.

Plans are being developed to take action on all the recommendations. Among the actions already taken are:

• A system of daily checks was brought in immediately at the accommodation where Asiah and her mother were placed
• The child of any young parent who has a social worker now has their own separate social worker focusing on their needs
• Every young parent placed in supported accommodation has their case regularly reviewed
• Children’s social care services have reviewed how risks to young parents and their children are assessed. As a result, protocols and guidance have changed

“The review considers the context in which this tragedy happened, and the support provided and offered by the agencies working with the mother and daughter.

“Before the true circumstances were discovered during the criminal investigation, practitioners and family members believed Asiah’s mother to be a capable and loving parent. The review ultimately found that none of the professionals involved could have predicted the appalling nature of what happened.”