Thread by @article_39

What has become of our care system? Serious case review newly published by NSPCC. About Sasha who entered care for the second time aged 17 (she had been the subject of a CP plan as a young child, and had also been in foster care aged 6-7). Now, there were serious concerns 1/7

that she was being exploited, she had reported substance misuse, violence from former boyfriend, anxiety and panic attacks and was no longer doing well academically. On becoming looked after, Sasha was placed in an 'independence unit' "with five hours staff support per week; 2/7

this being the type of service thought to be appropriate for a young person of her capabilities". Professionals then wanted to move her to a different area because she wasn't safe and "there was no 24-hour staff presence"; she strongly objected. Having been moved to a second 3/7

'independence unit', on a Sunday in August, Sasha's friend visited her. She was upset but the friend "was not permitted to stay beyond visiting time". Later that evening Sasha was found hanging in her bedroom. She died three days later.

Professionals who worked with Sasha 4/7

said she was "highly intelligent, articulate, respectful of authority, mature for her age, proud, self-assured, determined, confident, engaging and friendly". She had plans to become a lawyer.

The serious case review author questions whether Sasha was, in fact, displaying 5/7

"pseudo maturity". He recommends risk assessments for children placed in 'independence units' ⬇️. His report explores contextual safeguarding, the Think Family Approach, reflective supervision and lots more besides.

But one question remains...

6/7

How can any child* be taken into the care of the state and be put straight into an 'independence unit' with 43 minutes of adult support a day?

*Child is a person under the age of 18 - Children Act 1989 and UN Convention on the Rights of the Child /END