SERIOUS Case Reviews are carried out by the local Safeguarding Children Board in serious cases of abuse.

Their purpose is to ascertain what lessons can be learned for the way agencies work together to protect children. They also take action to try and remedy whatever mistakes have been made.

The reviews are carried out when:

- a child dies and abuse or neglect are known or suspected to be a factor

- a child sustains a serious injury through abuse or neglect

- a child has been subject to particularly serious sexual abuse

- a child is killed by a parent with a mental illness

- a case gives rise to concern about inter-agency working