The National Guidance for Child Protection Committees Undertaking Learning Reviews (published 2021, updated 2024), which replaced the previous guidance on Significant Case Review (2015), provides the framework to support Child Protection Committees to reflect, learn and improve child protection systems and practice when a child or young person dies, is significantly harmed, or was at risk of death or significant harm or where there was effective practice.
Protecting children and young people is an inter-agency and inter-disciplinary responsibility overseen by Child Protection Committees and it is the Child Protection Committee, on behalf of the Public Protection Chief Officers' Group, that decides whether a Learning Review is required and agrees how that Learning Review is conducted. The purpose of a Learning Review is to bring together agencies, individuals and families to learn from what has happened in order to improve and develop systems and practice in the future and better protect children and young people. The process is underpinned by the rights of children and young people as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
The West Dunbartonshire Child Protection Committee has, in conjunction with the Public Protection Chief Officers' Group, decided to publish the Executive Summary Reports of any Learning Reviews commissioned by the Committee.
The national guidance can be accessed here:
National Guidance For Child Protection Committees Undertaking Learning Reviews
Similar national guidance in relation to Adult Protection Committee's undertaking Learning Reviews can be accessed here:
National Guidance for Adult Protection Committees Undertaking Learning Reviews
Should you require any further information please contact adult.child.protection.admin@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
