Last updated by ruth.salter@essex.gov.uk on Friday, February 13, 2026

The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel have published a national review on 'Protecting all vulnerable babies better’. The review focusses on preventing harm and improving protection for all vulnerable unborn babies and infants.

Key findings and recommendations include:

• Earlier and stronger pre-birth safeguarding
• The importance of trauma-informed practice 
• Better engagement with and support for parents before and after child removal
• A preventative ‘Think Family’ approach
• Stronger links between children’s social care and offender management services
• Clearer arrangements when families move across geographical boundaries

The Panel have published a Practitioner Briefing, and the full report which are both available on their website.