Catherine Stephens, Head of Children & Families Public Law department at Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd comments on the recent tragic case about Arthur Labinjo-Hughes.
‘Those of us who work within the world of Child Protection cannot help but be even more devastated to hear of the plight of an innocent child than are the rest of society. The systems for protecting children can never be perfect of course, but all of us will feel more should and could have been done.
We will all be preparing to hear about the issues faced by professionals which meant that Arthur Labinjo-Hughes was not protected by the systems which only exist for that purpose.
Parents who struggle for all sorts of reasons will be equally horrified at this and all the more nervous about how they are going to be viewed if they have to have involvement with children’s services for any reason.
It’s important that children who are safe to remain with their parents are not treated differently because of the (justifiable) anger at the failures of the system in any individual case, no matter how tragic, no matter how terrible.
For me, that makes it all the more important that as Lawyers we bring everything we can to the process to ensure that we help children and their families get the support they need to stay together where its safe, to ensure equity and justice where we can for all children.
My heart goes out to all who knew and loved Arthur – especially the family members who did try to protect him.
If you know of a child you are worried about please call 01926 414144 for Warwickshire or for Coventry – Social worker (out of office hours): 024 7683 2222.
If you wish to report an emergency matter always dial 999. or you wish to report a matter to the police which is not urgent, call 101 and state your concerns.
If you are worried about your child or need some help and support because Children’s Services are concerned about your child, we will be able to help you. There is often legal aid available to fund this, and we offer face to face telephone and video appointments. We have offices in Stratford, Southam Leamington Coventry, and Nuneaton.
Your can call our team on 02476 710233.’
Please call 02477 710 233 to speak to our Children & Families Public law team or to make an appointment at any one of our six offices.
