Informing the family

Serious Case Review Quality MarkersĀ 

Quality statement

Family members are told what the Serious Case Review (SCR) is for, how it will work, and the parameters, and are treated with respect.

Rationale

A core principle of safeguarding is to work with families in an open and honest way and this needs to be replicated in the SCR. Being clear about the purpose and function of the SCR helps to manage the expectations of family members about what the SCR can achieve and what it will not cover. Within this context family are usually close relatives, including those with parental responsibility.

How might you know if you are meeting this quality marker?

  1. Is there a reliable mechanism to enable the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) to inform family members of the SCR at the earliest stage possible?
  2. Is the standard correspondence that is used for family members about the purpose, process and parameters of the SCR adequately clear, accessible and kind?
  3. Are the opportunities being offered to family members to discuss any queries or clarifications flexible, and do they give them a realistic chance of doing so?
  4. Is there overt support for legitimate questions posed by family members being addressed honestly?
     

Knowledge base

Equality & diversity

Link to statutory guidance & inspection criteria

Tackling some common obstacles