The independent review, commissioned by the Croydon Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP), relates to seven children and young people involved with the tragic deaths of three children and young people in 2021. All were found guilty of criminal offences following the three, unrelated incidents.
More than 100 professionals including 60 frontline practitioners, 50 community partners, and the parents and families of victims, as well as children involved in violence and their families, have contributed to the final report.
The review goes back as far as 2010, looking at these children’s life experiences. It analyses the help that they and their families received from social care, the police, health and community groups. There are individual examples of excellent practice and strong relationships with children and young people as well as recommendations for change.
The review identifies common themes in the complexities of serious youth violence – including early childhood trauma, domestic violence, substance misuse, school exclusions, county lines and offending behaviour.
It also finds evidence of positive influences in the children’s lives, including faith, engagement in education, strong family relationships, career ambitions, and thoughtful trusted relationships with professionals.
The review highlights the challenges faced by agencies in identifying the right help and support for these young people. It explores what opportunities there may have been to connect with these children and improve their outcomes.
The findings are published with 10 key principles to strengthen the local and national response to serious youth violence. These are referred to in the report as K.I.D.S V.O.I.C.E.S - knowledge, identify, duplication, stick with it, voice, outcomes, innovate, community, education, spaces.
They range from early identification of learning needs and preventing school exclusions, to hearing family voices and considering the importance of place for young people – as well as tenacity from professionals in the face of non-engagement.
Debbie Jones, Chair of CSCP Executive, said:
“On behalf of the Safeguarding Children Partnership, my condolences to the families of the three young people who lost their lives, and all those who were impacted by these tragic events. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has revisited painful events to contribute to this important review and given us the opportunity to hear their voices.”