A charity is urging a swift unveiling of a new child protection plan after reviews into cases of tots murdered by abusive parents.
Six months ago a probe highlighted “serious problems” in the tragic cases of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, six, and 16-month-old Star Hobson.
A minister promised a “bold implementation plan” by the end of 2022.
Now the plan will not be outlined until 2023, Children’s Minister Claire Coutinho has admitted.
The NSPCC’s Abigail Gill said major problems in the national child protection system were identified, which need to be urgently addressed.
She said it was vital the full Government response to the reports and recommendations does not “slip any further” than early 2023.
A review found the abuses suffered by Arthur and Star were not isolated incidents.
Both children’s relatives had raised concerns that were ignored or not acted on appropriately. The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel called for dedicated teams of police, healthcare staff and social workers in every local authority.
A group of tech experts to improve kids’ protection was also urged.
Thomas Hughes was convicted of the manslaughter of son Arthur in June 2020 and the boy’s mum, Emma Tustin, of his murder. Star died in 2020 after months of “neglect, cruelty and injury”.
Her mum Frankie Smith was convicted of causing or allowing her daughter’s death and her partner Savannah Brockhill of murder.
A review this week found chances were missed to save Logan Mwangi, five, murdered by mum Angharad Williamson, stepfather John Cole and stepbrother Craig Mulligan, 14.
Safeguarding Alliance CEO Emily Konstantas said: “Safeguarding will only work if we work together.”
The Department for Education said it was tackling domestic violence, abuse and exploitation and setting up a Child Protection Ministerial Group.
