Liam Fee Significant Case Review - SASW Statement

SASW Statement: Liam Fee Significant Case Review 

An independent review of the circumstances of the death of Liam Fee in Fife in 2014 was published today by Fife Child Protection Committee. 

The death of a child is always regrettable and it is important that we learn every lesson that we can from each case and each review. We recognise that this case has been the subject of a lot of reflection and regret in Fife and more widely across relevant agencies in Scotland. 

SASW of course welcomes the Fife CPC's multi agency acceptance of the findings and the recommendations that were made. We know from our members that there has been good work already undertaken in Fife to remedy identified weaknesses. Some of these have been identified in the interagency processes, and some in the council and social work, and there is a focus on improving systems in the Fife review. SASW took part in a recent national review of child protection which was conducted by Catherine Dyer for the Scottish Government. This has a primary focus on systems, rather than practice. 

As a social work association, we want to draw attention to the importance of a focus on learning lessons about practice as well as about the systems and policy and processes in place at any time. It is people, and good professional judgement, that protects children.

Although our members in Fife note the work done, overall investment in training and in resources and time for social workers to actually do the job that the public expects of them is still needed. The four workshops we held in Fife recently with Edinburgh University 'Revisiting Child Protection' were very well received and illustrated the need for reflective practice opportunities, as recommended in the review. 

We believe that what is needed now in Scotland is a review of practice, led by front line social work practitioners and supported by our leading social work academics and researchers. SASW, as the professional association, can help the Government and local authorities to make this happen.