We're Failing Our Children

Nov 16 2008

IT is hard to believe a mum could groom another parent's little girl to perform webcam sex shows.

But, as the horrific ordeal of Baby P has shown, parenthood does not preclude the infliction of terrible neglect, cruelty and abuse.

Women like mother-of-three Zanythe Harrison, who is now on the sex offenders register, shouldn't lose their children automatically.

But there must be rigorous checks to ensure their youngsters are safe and properly cared for.

Baby P was battered to death by those who should have cared for him despite a barrage of official checks and inspections.

It is right social workers should attempt to keep families together - but not if they can't protect the children in an abusive home.

The Government plans to spend £73million on supporting official agencies charged with protecting our children.

If spent properly, social workers will be better able to identify those most at risk and see through the lies of manipulative parents And be ready to take decisive action to remove vulnerable kids.

It is the least we expect.

And the least they deserve.