The death of ‘Polly’ from Derbyshire, a 21-month-old, resulting from her being ‘stamped on’ by her mother, leaves a horrible feeling of ‘here we go again’.
As with so many serious case reviews, opportunities were missed. There was poor communication between professionals and the focus of activity seems to have been on the mother. There was concern before Polly’s birth resulting from her mother’s substance abuse, emotional volatility and violent outbursts. That concern continued following her birth and at one point, as a result of domestic violence, Polly was subject to legal proceedings and placed in foster care. But children’s services professionals were reassured by what appeared to be a loving relationship between the mother and Polly.
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