July 28, 2010 - Khyra Ishaq died May 2008. Do not let her tragic death deter anyone from making a referral

Khyra died following months of starvation and cruelty at the hands of her mother and stepfather. A Serious Case Review published on 27th July 2010, concluded that her terrible situation could and should have been prevented. The review commissioned by Birmingham Safeguarding Children Board found a number of missed opportunities to intervene in Khyra's short life. To find out more about what a serious case review is go to references on SAFEchild web-site choose articles and click on Serious Case Reviews

To find out more click here.

Amongst them were missed opportunities where referrals from as far back as 2006, from members of the public and school staff, were not followed up. Safeguarding procedures were not followed and communication between agencies was poor. She was taken out of school in December 2007 to be home educated and became lost to agencies. Intimidation of social care workers, by her mother, resulted in proper assessments not being carried out and the adults diverting the focus from the child.

Remember:

- If you become worried about a child, make a referral to social care and or the police if you think a child's life is imminent danger
- Do not hesitate to be persistent if you think no action has been taken
- When worried about a child always follow you own group/organisations procedures
- Always record, date and sign any observations of the child and the child's family, and the actions you have taken
- Follow any referral by telephone, in writing as soon as possible
- If you are asked to attend a conference regarding the child make sure you can attend. If this is not possible sent a written report
- Do not be put off by aggressive or manipulative adults. The child comes first. Seek support and help from the police if you really feel threatened. (If you are scared, think what it must be like for the child)