This Child Safeguarding Practice Review has recently been published by Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership and looks into the case of Child C who was sexually abused by their male foster carer. Please note the opening of this episode does contain a letter written by the child themselves about the abuse they faced which some listeners may find difficult to hear. 

Learning themes include:

-The importance of consistent, responsive and reliable professionals

- The difference between constancy and consistency

-Speaking to children away from their homes and those that may be perpetrating abuse

-Thinking the unthinkable when it comes to foster carers abusing their position of trust

-Considering how we respond to concerns and allegations when children are watching

-Avoiding an over focus on the adults and taking note when a child retracts allegations 

-Recognising that being fully compliant does not mean neglect or abuse is not present