In Serious Case Reviews carried out since 2018, we often see children who have experienced long-term and intergenerational intra-familial neglect. Such cases are more likely to show:
- Parents who misuse substances
- Extra-familial risk in the form of CSE and exploitation
- A lack of professional curiosity and respectful uncertainty within agency responses across the partnership
- Patterns of missed opportunities to hold multi-agency meetings around the child.
To test whether the quality of practice across agencies has improved, we conduct multi agency audits with our partners. Multi agency auditing considers many cases where an area of concern or good practice has been found, and determines whether the quality of practice across agencies has improved.
Why are multi agency audits important?
Multi agency audits are important because they allow us to consider if areas of concern are a one off within systems. It provides broader opportunities for partners to work differently on these areas to encourage better outcomes for children and families.
How do we monitor review processes?
We've built a tracking tool for case reviews to help us monitor actions from review processes. This will allow us to assess how well we use learning to change practice and spot gaps in agency ability to embed learning quickly. We can then determine what steps are needed to improve the process.
Mult agency audits 2021/2022
Multi agency audits are conducted in line with partnership priorities, themes from review processes and systems issues. Audits planned for 2021 / 2022 are:
- Partner attendance at statutory meetings
- Babies born during the pandemic and the impact of COVID-19
- Non-accidental injuries in infants
- Repeat referrals / repeat child protection plans
- Parental mental health
- Neglect
- Child mental health
- Domestic abuse.