The decisions about the precise form and focus of the Serious Case Review (SCR) to be commissioned take into account factors related to the case and the local context. They are made with input from Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) members and in conjunction with the lead reviewer(s).
Governance
The SCR achieves the requirement for independence and ownership of the findings by the LSCB.
SCR management
The SCR is effectively managed. It runs smoothly, is concluded in a timely manner and within budget.
Parallel processes
Where there are parallel processes the SCR is managed to avoid as much as possible duplication of effort, prejudice to criminal trials, unnecessary delay and confusion for staff and families.
Assembling information
The Serious Case Review (SCR) gains sufficient information to underpin an analysis of the case in the context of normal working practices and relevant organisational factors.
Practitioner involvement
The SCR enables practitioners and managers to have a constructive experience of taking part in the review.
Family involvement
The SCR is informed by ‘family’ members’ knowledge and experiences relevant to the period under review.
Analysis
The Serious Case Review (SCR) analysis is transparent and rigorous. It evaluates and explains professional practice in the case, shedding light on routine challenges and constraints to practitioner efforts to safeguard children.