Episode 20: Child C - "A child's voice, however honest and true, is meaningless to those who've forgotten how to listen"

This Child Safeguarding Practice Review has recently been published by Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership and looks into the case of Child C who was sexually abused by their male foster carer. Please note the opening of this episode does contain a letter written by the child themselves about the abuse they faced which some listeners may find difficult to hear.

Learning themes include:

-The importance of consistent, responsive and reliable professionals

- The difference between constancy and consistency

-Speaking to children away from their homes and those that may be perpetrating abuse

-Thinking the unthinkable when it comes to foster carers abusing their position of trust

-Considering how we respond to concerns and allegations when children are watching

-Avoiding an over focus on the adults and taking note when a child retracts allegations

-Recognising that being fully compliant does not mean neglect or abuse is not present