It was also noted that hiring social workers in Bradford “became more difficult during the pandemic”, adding: “With staff working from home, it was difficult for managers to incorporate, support and know staff. “Working at home limited training and development opportunities to support the improvement of practice.”
It is also understood that the review committee is “deeply concerned” about how the evidence presented by the older families of the two children was easily ruled out.
Concerns about Arthur’s bruises raised by family members were not taken seriously, while for Star, the suggestion that a family member maliciously reported their concerns because they did not like the relationship between family members Her mother’s same sex was “too easily acceptable,” she found the review.
The review also said that the role of women in perpetrating abuse could have had an impact on the way professionals perceived the risk to children, “taking into account society’s beliefs about women as caregivers. “
The group has recommended that the government set up child protection units in each local area that will be staffed by police, health workers and social workers.
In a prologue to the report, President Hudson said there is too much ambiguity and inconsistency in the current safeguard system that does not serve children, their families or professionals well.
The panel interviewed just under 80 professionals in Bradford, Birmingham and Solihull, and members of the children’s family, including Star’s mother and partner.
After the children’s deaths, Tustin was convicted of the murder of Arthur and Hughes by manslaughter, and Brockhill was convicted of Star’s murder while Smith was convicted of causing or allowing his death.