System fails again in Westminster
The linked story is about a 4 year old disabled girl returned to her parents who then physically abused her over a period of 7 weeks notwithstanding visits from the Social Services - who were told she was away.
Why does this happen?
1. The system relies upon "experts reports" and opinion as to what might happen.
2. The system does not respond efficiently and/or quickly to real reports of problems.
3. The system is arrogant assuming that the "procedures" are the solution to all problems and ignoring information that conflicts with the plan.
4. This particular child was disabled and hence less likely to be adopted so social services are under target pressure to return this type of child to the parents.
In a sense this is a good example arguing that the system is incapable of judging risk and needs instead to judge facts.