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The case of `Baby P': Opening up spaces for debate on the `transformation' of Children's Services?

National University of Ireland, Galway, PM.Garrett{at}nuigalway.ie

`Baby P', a 17 month old boy, died in August 2007 from severe injuries inflicted whilst he was in the care of his mother, her `boyfriend' and a lodger in the household. In November 2008 two men were found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable person. The mother had already pleaded guilty to the same charge. Importantly, for Children's Services, `Baby P' had been subject to a child protection plan following concerns that he had been abused and neglected. Following the convictions, the death of `Baby P', and the inadequate responses of child welfare professionals, began to dominate political and media discourses. This critical commentary initially focuses on media, particularly newspaper, reports on the case and identifies a number of key themes. It is then maintained, despite the largely pernicious newspaper accounts of the tragedy, there may now be room, following the publication of the joint area review (JAR) of Haringey Children's Services, to prompt more informed debates about `reform' within the sector.

Key Words: children • joint area review • parents • `underclass' • UNISON

Critical Social Policy, Vol. 29, No. 3, 533-547 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0261018309105183


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