Safeguarding Board releases report findings

Mid and West Wales Regional Safeguarding Board has completed it's child practice review into the circumstances surrounding the death of a sixteen-year-old girl from Newtown.

The report, known as Concise Child Practice Review CYSUR 3 2021, sheds light on the tragic demise of the teenager, revealing harrowing details of neglect and systemic failures.

According to the report, the incident came to light in October 2020 when the ambulance service alerted the police after discovering the lifeless body of the young girl, identified as Child A, at her family home.

Shockingly, the condition of her body was indicative of chronic neglect, with concerns raised about the unhygienic and unkempt living environment she endured. A post-mortem examination revealed that Child A was grossly obese and immobile, suffering from extensive inflammation and infection, ultimately leading to her untimely death.

Following a trial, both parents of Child A were jailed. Her mother originally sentenced to six years, had her term raised to eight years, whilst her father, previously sentenced to seven and a half years, will now serve 10 years.

In response to the report, Powys County Council, Powys Teaching Health Board, and Dyfed Powys Police have expressed their deepest condolences to the family and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss. They have also acknowledged the importance of reflecting on the findings of the review and the need for multi-agency collaboration to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Powys County Council, Powys Teaching Health Board and Dyfed Powys Police have made the following joint statement to accompany publication of the report.

"We convey our sincere condolences to the child’s family and all those who  have been affected by this tragic death." 

"The review has been an opportunity to reflect and share learning amongst all partner organisations and practitioners on a multi-agency basis, and we acknowledge the commitment and contribution of those who have taken part in the review process." 

"We hope that the report will contribute to wider ongoing learning in relation to a number of key issues identified in the report so that children and their families are supported fully."

Key issues highlighted in the report include significant gaps in the provision of care and support for children with chronic disabilities, as well as shortcomings in information sharing and communication between healthcare providers and families. The report also calls for greater willingness from all agencies to engage in multi-agency meetings and collaborative efforts to safeguard vulnerable children effectively.

In response to these findings, the Mid and West Wales Regional Safeguarding Board has announced the implementation of a regional action plan aimed at improving services and ensuring that lessons are learned from this tragic event.

We have changed the identity of the child to Child A in line with the report released by the Mid and West Wales Regional Safeguarding Board and to provide privacy to the family.