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Questions and Answers
What was the cause of death of 17-month-old Peter Connelly?
Who were convicted of 'causing or allowing' Peter Connelly's death?
How many times was Peter Connelly seen by social workers, doctors, and police over an eight-month period?
What did the serious case review published in 2010 reveal about Peter's death?
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What was the assessment of the agencies involved in Peter's care?
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What was the outcome of the serious case review regarding the agencies' practice?
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What triggered a surge in child protection referrals and children being taken into care?
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Why did social workers become defensive in their practice?
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Who was named and shamed in the media and eventually sacked?
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What effect did the 'Baby P' campaign have on social workers across the country?
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Who ordered the removal of Sharon Shoesmith live on TV?
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What was the impact of the 'Baby P effect' on social workers' ability to spot urgent cases?
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Why did referrals flood in when the Baby P furore hit its peak?
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'A climate of fear gripped social workers across the country...' What does this statement mean?
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Study Notes
Peter Connelly Case Overview
- Peter Connelly, known as 'Baby P', died due to severe abuse and neglect at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend.
- His death was a critical failure of multiple agencies responsible for his welfare.
Convictions
- Peter's mother, Tracey Connelly, and her boyfriend, Steven Barker, were convicted of 'causing or allowing' his death.
Agency Interventions
- Over an eight-month span, Peter was seen 60 times by social workers, doctors, and police, highlighting systemic failures in safeguarding.
Serious Case Review Findings
- A serious case review published in 2010 revealed significant shortcomings in how agencies responded to Peter's situation, particularly in recognizing signs of abuse.
Assessment of Agencies
- The review concluded that the agencies involved in Peter’s care (social services, health services, and police) failed to share crucial information and act on clear warning signs.
Outcome of the Serious Case Review
- Recommendations were made to improve inter-agency cooperation and communication, with emphasis on prioritizing child welfare.
Surge in Referrals
- Peter's death triggered a nationwide surge in child protection referrals and an increase in children being taken into care due to heightened public awareness.
Social Workers' Defensive Practices
- Amid the backlash, social workers became defensive, fearing consequences of missed opportunities to protect vulnerable children.
Media and Employment Consequences
- Sharon Shoesmith, then-head of Haringey Children’s Services, was named and shamed in the media, leading to her dismissal from her position.
'Baby P' Campaign Impact
- The campaign raised awareness about child protection, significantly impacting social workers' practices and increasing scrutiny of their decisions.
Public Removal of Sharon Shoesmith
- The removal of Sharon Shoesmith was ordered by the then-Secretary of State for Children, Ed Balls, during a live television interview.
'Baby P Effect'
- The 'Baby P effect' influenced social workers' ability to prioritize urgent cases, leading to potential oversights due to heightened pressures and fears of public backlash.
Climate of Fear
- "A climate of fear gripped social workers" refers to the heightened anxiety and concern among professionals about making mistakes, resulting in cautious approaches that could cloud judgment in urgent child protection cases.
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Description
Learn about the tragic death of 17-month-old Peter Connelly in August 2007, after enduring months of cruelty. Explore the circumstances and investigation surrounding his case.
