Serious case reviews

Scope note / definition

A SCR should always be undertaken when a child dies (including suicide), and abuse or neglect is known or suspected to be a factor. It should also be carried out when a child dies in custody (in police custody, on remand or following sentencing), in a Youth Offending Institution (YOI), or a Secure Training Centre (STC), or where the child was detained under the Mental Health Act 2005 (para 8.10). The purpose of an SCR is to establish whether there are lessons to be learnt from the case about the way in which local professionals and organisations work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Source: NSPCC website accessed 2012-05-21