Remembering Victoria Climbié - 25 years since her tragic death
Date: 26 Feb 2025
Twenty-five years ago, Victoria Climbié died following prolonged abuse, despite being known to multiple agencies. Lord Laming's subsequent inquiry revealed systemic failures that continue to resonate with findings from recent serious case reviews, including those of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and Star Hobson.
It is timely to reflect on the lessons from the Victoria Climbié inquiry and their relevance to current practice and these are detailed below:
Key Learning Points for Current Practice:
Professional Curiosity: The inquiry highlighted how professionals accepted explanations without challenge and failed to speak directly with Victoria. Today, this remains crucial - we must maintain healthy scepticism, ask difficult questions, and always seek to understand the child's lived experience.
Information Sharing: Victoria was known to four local authorities, two hospitals, two police child protection teams, and the NSPCC, yet information was not effectively shared. Despite technological advances, recent reviews continue to identify communication breakdowns between agencies. We must prioritise timely and comprehensive information sharing.
The Child's Voice: Victoria was never spoken to alone with an interpreter. Today, this fundamental requirement remains paramount - we must ensure that every child has the opportunity to speak and be heard, with appropriate support for their individual needs.
Record Keeping: Poor documentation featured prominently in Victoria's case. Accurate, timely record-keeping remains essential for effective safeguarding. Your records may be crucial for colleagues making decisions about a child's safety.
Management Oversight: The inquiry identified inadequate supervision and lack of challenge to poor practice. Regular, reflective supervision remains vital for safe practice, and we must create environments where challenge is welcomed and expected.
The recent Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel's annual report reminds us that these fundamental issues remain relevant.
The following PDF document includes some considerations in relation to practice and signposting to resources for professionals: 25 years on. Please share this with colleagues at your school.
