Concerned about confidentiality? The child protection jigsaw

The protection of children from abuse and exploitation remains at the forefront of public concern, particularly since the well-publicised death of Victoria Climbié. Lord Laming, reporting on the lack of action by professionals concerned with protecting Victoria Climbié, described widespread organisational malaise (Laming 2003). Inquiries into child deaths over the last 30 years (from Maria Colwell in 1973, to Jasmine Beckford 1985, Tyra Henry 1987, Kimberley Carlile 1987 and Victoria Climbié in 2000) have highlighted the same issues and the continuing damage caused by poor practice, particularly ineffective communication between professionals.