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14/11/2008
Ministers 'Warned' Over Haringey Child Protection Procedures
Ministers were warned six months before the death of Baby P, that child protection procedures in Haringey Council were not being followed, it has emerged.
The news came a day after Haringey apologised for not doing "more to protect him".
The 17-month-old baby had died in a blood-splattered cot at his home in Haringey in August, after suffering more than 50 injuries, including a broken back.
Concerns over the London-based council were raised by whistleblower Nevres Kemal in February last year, six months before his death.
The former social worker sent a letter detailing her concerns to the Department of Health. It was subsequently passed to the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).
A spokesman for DCSF said: "Our records show that we received a letter dated 16 February 2007, that was forwarded to us from the Department of Health, detailing an employment tribunal issue with Haringey Council, and containing an allegation that child protection procedures were not being followed in Haringey.
"The permanent secretary of the DCSF has looked at the reply and is confident that the proper procedures were followed."
Ms Kemal's lawyer Lawrence Davies, speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, said the complaint "got pushed from pillar to post".
He also revealed his client's letter expressed worry that children in the borough were "at risk".
Yesterday, Haringey Councillor Liz Santry, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "For the past 15 months in Haringey, there has been a huge amount of anguish and endless discussion about what we might have done to save this little boy.
"And I have to say also that we are truly sorry that we did not do more to protect him."
The tragic death of baby P echoes the murder of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie in 2000 - from the same council area - who was killed by her aunt and the woman's lover after care workers and police in the borough failed to save her.
(JM)
The news came a day after Haringey apologised for not doing "more to protect him".
The 17-month-old baby had died in a blood-splattered cot at his home in Haringey in August, after suffering more than 50 injuries, including a broken back.
Concerns over the London-based council were raised by whistleblower Nevres Kemal in February last year, six months before his death.
The former social worker sent a letter detailing her concerns to the Department of Health. It was subsequently passed to the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).
A spokesman for DCSF said: "Our records show that we received a letter dated 16 February 2007, that was forwarded to us from the Department of Health, detailing an employment tribunal issue with Haringey Council, and containing an allegation that child protection procedures were not being followed in Haringey.
"The permanent secretary of the DCSF has looked at the reply and is confident that the proper procedures were followed."
Ms Kemal's lawyer Lawrence Davies, speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, said the complaint "got pushed from pillar to post".
He also revealed his client's letter expressed worry that children in the borough were "at risk".
Yesterday, Haringey Councillor Liz Santry, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "For the past 15 months in Haringey, there has been a huge amount of anguish and endless discussion about what we might have done to save this little boy.
"And I have to say also that we are truly sorry that we did not do more to protect him."
The tragic death of baby P echoes the murder of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie in 2000 - from the same council area - who was killed by her aunt and the woman's lover after care workers and police in the borough failed to save her.
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
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02 December 2008
Ofsted Calls For Urgent Review Of Children's Care
Children's services in England are to be more closely monitored in the wake of Haringey council's failings over the Baby P scandal.
Ofsted Calls For Urgent Review Of Children's Care
Children's services in England are to be more closely monitored in the wake of Haringey council's failings over the Baby P scandal.
01 December 2008
Children's Services Head Sacked Over Baby P Case
Sharon Shoesmith, the head of children's services at Haringey Council, has been sacked, following the publication of an independent inspectors' report into the Baby P case, Children's Secretary Ed Balls has revealed. Earlier, two senior members of Haringey Council resigned from their posts over the scandal.
Children's Services Head Sacked Over Baby P Case
Sharon Shoesmith, the head of children's services at Haringey Council, has been sacked, following the publication of an independent inspectors' report into the Baby P case, Children's Secretary Ed Balls has revealed. Earlier, two senior members of Haringey Council resigned from their posts over the scandal.
19 November 2008
Council Offers 'Formal Apology' For Baby P Death
The boss of Haringey Council has issued a 'formal apology' for the abuse and death of Baby P. The 17-month-old baby had died in a blood-splattered cot at his home in Haringey in August, after suffering more than 50 injuries, including a broken back, despite being on the authority's 'at-risk' list.
Council Offers 'Formal Apology' For Baby P Death
The boss of Haringey Council has issued a 'formal apology' for the abuse and death of Baby P. The 17-month-old baby had died in a blood-splattered cot at his home in Haringey in August, after suffering more than 50 injuries, including a broken back, despite being on the authority's 'at-risk' list.
25 November 2008
Baby P Councillors To Keep Jobs
Two senior councillors involved in the Baby P case, will be keeping their jobs, despite calls for them to be sacked. The Liberal Democrat opposition on Labour-run Haringey Council tabled a motion of no confidence against Councillor Liz Santry – the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People – and Council Leader George Meehan.
Baby P Councillors To Keep Jobs
Two senior councillors involved in the Baby P case, will be keeping their jobs, despite calls for them to be sacked. The Liberal Democrat opposition on Labour-run Haringey Council tabled a motion of no confidence against Councillor Liz Santry – the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People – and Council Leader George Meehan.
27 May 2011
Shoesmith Wins Appeal Over Baby P Sacking
Having won an appeal following her sacking over the death of Baby Peter in 2007, ex-children's services director, Sharon Shoesmith has said she is "thrilled". Ms Shoesmith challenged the High Court ruling that cleared Ed Balls, former children's secretary, and Haringey Council for acting unlawfully.
Shoesmith Wins Appeal Over Baby P Sacking
Having won an appeal following her sacking over the death of Baby Peter in 2007, ex-children's services director, Sharon Shoesmith has said she is "thrilled". Ms Shoesmith challenged the High Court ruling that cleared Ed Balls, former children's secretary, and Haringey Council for acting unlawfully.
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