The adoptive mum of a little boy who lost both his legs after being abused by his birth parents has criticised a review into his case as 'disappointing'.
Paula Hudgell, 55, said that the serious case review, published today, highlighted a string of red flags which multiple agencies failed to act on - from the time Tony was still in his mother's womb.
She said: "I am disappointed that bits have been glossed over.
"I had to fight for this review to take place. Because Tony did not die it was not said to be 'serious enough.'
"But why do we have to wait until a child dies - or loses his legs - until we are ready to learn lessons?
'I couldn't leave broken little boy who'd lost both legs without a family'
"The report shows that multiple red flags were missed - from the time that Tony was still in his mum's womb and she was with police on bail for drugs offences with Tony's dad.
"The ambulance and housing officers noted drug use around their home.
"Assessments were delayed or did not happen on time.
"If the services had picked up on the danger Tony was in even one day sooner he may still have his legs today.
"Time is critical when you're dealing with child cruelty and neglect and I believe that the system failed him.
"Now every day's a struggle for Tony as he tries to adapt to life without legs.
"But I hope that through implementing the learnings identified in this report, other children will be better protected in the future."
Police were first alerted to little Tony Hudgell's existence when his pregnant mother was on bail for drugs offences with Tony's father in April, 2014.
No pre-birth assessment was recorded.
His father, Tony Smith, had a 28 year history of drug abuse but there was no evidence of a risk assessment into his drug use.
Boy, 4, who suffered abuse at hands of birth parents takes first steps in new legs
In June, 2014, after Tony's pregnant mother, Jody Simpson, was seen by a GP the couple were referred to children's social work services , but the referral was not received until August 2014 - after an unexplained three month delay.
Critically, although concerned professionals called for a parenting assessment for little Tony, it was not arranged before the six-week-old baby was admitted to hospital with catastrophic injuries on November 18, 2014.
Although various professionals - including the ambulance and housing officers - observed potential risk factors ike active drug misuse in Tony's surroundings, this information was not shared with social services.
Tony Smith had a conviction for domestic abuse against a previous partner and multiple theft and drug offences.
Tony's mother, who was 22 years younger than Tony's father, was noted as being 'timid' by authorities in the report, yet no further investigations were carried out at the time.
The report noted that her timidity and the age gap could have been cause for further assessment.
And further assessment could have revealed the danger little Tony was in at home.
The anonymised review, published today by the Kent Safegaurding Children Board under the name Child J, recommended better inter-agency communication in future to better protect vulnerable children.
Tony's parents were jailed for 10 years.
A JustGiving page has been launched to ensure little Tony has all the equipment he needs. You can donate here.
