Thread by @SafeSchools_UK

The @CareQualityComm inspection report which found @TaviAndPort #GIDS service to be ‘inadequate’ is a truly shocking read. We are appalled at the spin that this is just about waiting times. It is not. This is a #safeguarding scandal. Full report here:

api.cqc.org.uk/public/v1/repo…

Questions must be asked (and answered) about why so many children were experiencing distress around gender in the first place. What has gone wrong in our society? Why are we failing to challenge gender stereotypes? What are children looking at online?

#edutwitter #safeguarding

The regulatory capture in our society has gone so far that even the @CareQualityComm report into this scandal uses highly contested, ideological language such as ‘assigned sex at birth’. This must stop. Sex is observed at birth, usually by medical professionals.

#SexMatters

We thank @ChildrensComm & all others who raised concerns to enable this inspection to take place. We are appalled at the inadequate standards of care & #safeguarding that these very vulnerable children have been subjected to. As a society we must reflect on how this has occurred.

We believe the inadequate record keeping, more details of which have been exposed by the #KeiraBell case, verges on criminal. Failing to work together with other professionals is a failing repeatedly found in Serious Case Reviews, once children have been seriously harmed.

The fact that some staff said they ‘felt unable to raise concerns without fear of retribution’ is horrifying & certainly not conducive to the effective #safeguarding of children. It is also disturbing that not all staff were up to date with mandatory training.

Anybody working with children must be up to date with all applicable #safeguarding training. They must be alert to all potential concerns at all times. It is paramount that they feel supportes to voice any concerns that they have.

It is bizarre that ‘a young person taking an overdose of over-the-counter medicines after their therapeutic session evoked traumatic memories’ & ‘member of the public posting abusive messages about the service on social media’ are seen as comparable, both described as ‘incidents’

Reading through, our shock increases on every page. Statements such as:
“Staff had only recently begun to record consent & capacity or competence clearly for young people who might have impaired mental capacity or competence.”
must not be overshadowed by waiting time concerns.

“the service provided an illustrated guide to puberty & hormone blockers for young people who may find it difficult to read detailed text” We find it absolutely staggering that children who needed pictorial guides were ever deemed capable to consent to potential sterilisation.

This sentence; “There appeared to be no framework for discharge other than young people reaching the age of 18.” appears to contravene claims that puberty blockers are merely a ‘pause button’ This is backed up by the recent judgement in the #KeiraBell case.

We would encourage people to read the report in full then support @KLBfax by either sharing or donating to the crowdfunder for her upcoming appeal

crowdjustice.com/case/protect-c…