A thematic analysis of the involvement of children and families in Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews in England

The need to involve children and families in Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews (CSPRs) is set out within the current statutory guidance. However, there remains limited guidance that sets out how this should be done and the available research indicates that children and families are often excluded or choose not to be involved. The aim of this study was to explore how children and families are currently being involved in CSPRs in order to support the development of best practice approaches. The study was conducted by undertaking a thematic analysis of the involvement of children and families in the CSPRs published on the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) repository since the implementation of the guidance in 2018. The analyses identified four themes: ‘reports do not mention family involvement’, ‘children and families were excluded’, ‘children and families were invited but were not involved’ and ‘children and families were invited and at least one member was involved’. The study concludes that there is a necessity for clearer guidance regarding how, when and who will engage with the children and families, taking an individualised approach that offers flexibility, provides support and addresses trauma.