Why did it take a child's death to reveal adoption system failings?

The case of Elsie Scully-Hicks highlights inadequate levels of scrutiny that social workers have long known need reform

Our adoption system is failing children. The review into the death of Elsie Scully-Hicks identified important lessons for professionals involved in protecting children. But it does not go far enough: it misses a number of fundamental flaws in the system that were evident before her death. These flaws can lead to vulnerable children being rushed into unsuitable adoptions, and then pushed back into care once the adoption breaks down.

This should not be news to social workers, adopters or foster carers. But there is a culture of unquestioned optimism and inadequate scrutiny of decision-making through the process that can be disastrous. Indeed, it should be no surprise to anyone working in the system that one theme of the review was that, with the benefit of hindsight, professionals were excessively positive about Elsie’s adoptive placement.

Related: Chances missed to save Cardiff toddler killed by father, review finds

Related: Adoption a 'runaway train often breaching rights of birth parents'

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from Children | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2w6A3FQ