Letter: Best for children
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: The case of the Bramley family illustrates very well the rather haphazard nature of the services for children, partitioned as they are between social services, education and the NHS.
The last Labour government set up a Children's Committee which Mrs Thatcher abolished soon after attaining power. The Government should revive it. One reform that has long been needed is the appointment of an examining magistrate to replace the present case conferences in deciding what to do in case of suspected abuse. Another is a review of local authority care in relation to adoption and fostering, bearing in mind that delay and uncertainty are probably as damaging as inappropriate placement. The social services appear to have forgotten that the best is the enemy of the good enough.
JOHN A DAVIS
Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments