For immediate release – December 1st 2008

Baby P report raises questions about wider family involvement in child protection

-         "Clear failings in procedure and management" preceded tragic death.

 

-         Families Need Fathers asks whether non-resident parents and extended families are sufficiently involved in cases of at risk children.

Following Secretary of State Ed Balls’ response to the “devasting” findings of the report into the death of Baby P, Families Need Fathers (FNF) feels that amongst the catalogue of errors that led to this tragedy, one aspect should be investigated further.

Steps should be taken to ascertain whether Baby P’s natural father and extended family were sufficiently involved and whether child safeguarding in general takes account of the important role that the extended family can play in the safe upbringing of our children.

FNF Chief Executive Jon Davies said “We believe that fathers and extended families, one of the biggest resources in child protection, are often overlooked by social services and other welfare agencies. Extended families and fathers in particular are not another risk – they are another safeguard.”

-  ENDS -

Families Need Fathers (FNF) is a registered charity providing information and support on shared parenting issues arising from family breakdown, and support to divorced and separated parents, irrespective of gender or marital status. Our primary concern is the maintenance of the child’s relationship with both parents. Founded in 1974, FNF helps thousands of parents every year.

For comment or information please contact:

Nick Barnard, Director of Communications 07979 206 384

Jon Davies, FNF CEO 07976 935 986

Becky Sibert, Policy & Information Officer 020 7613 5060

John Baker, FNF Trustee 07881 644 917

Website: http://www.fnf.org.uk