Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board press...

A Serious Case Review Executive Summary report in relation to the 'J' children has been published by the Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board, and its content evaluated and approved as 'good' by Ofsted.

This independent review has been carried out following a serious assault perpetrated by two young brothers in the late spring of 2009. All local agencies who had contact with the family have conducted individual management reviews of their agency's actions which have contributed to the report's analysis and findings.

Chair of the Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board, Roger Thompson, said: "The findings of the report follow what has undoubtedly been an exceptionally shocking crime committed on two innocent young boys. On behalf of the Board, I would like to express that our thoughts are with them and their families as they continue with their recovery.

"No-one could have predicted the severity of the attack. However, the review has concluded there were serious failings in local services, and the Executive Summary report has indicated that the assault was a preventable incident.

"The review has identified 18 recommendations for improving practice and procedure, many of which have already been actively addressed by key services involved as part of an agreed action plan. The Board will challenge the practice of any agency it believes to be failing in their statutory duties in order to improve safeguarding for vulnerable children in need.

"The Board is very concerned that contents of the Serious Case Review were disclosed to the media prior to official publication of the Executive Summary report. This is now subject to a police investigation.

"We are aware there is a widespread debate for the Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board to publish the Serious Case Review in full. The Board is following Government practice by publishing the Executive Summary report only to protect the families involved. This is what all Safeguarding Boards across the country adhere to. If Government policy changes then the Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board will follow that guidance."