Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Social Services knew Khyra Ishaq was at risk

From the Mirror:

Khyra Ishaq trial: Teacher warned social services four times in 24 hours

Social services were warned about Khyra Ishaq repeatedly by her school before she starved to death, a court heard yesterday.

The seven-year-old's deputy head contacted them four times in 24 hours when Khyra was pulled out of class by mum Angela Gordon. But social workers apparently told the teacher the case did not need further assessment.

Teachers were also concerned for Khyra's welfare when she stole food from a pupil. A boy of nine living in the same house was seen stuffing his pockets with fruit.

The woman deputy head, who cannot be named, visited Khyra's home and talked to Gordon, 34, on the doorstep. She said: "She was agitated by our presence. We didn't see the children." She added: "Social services said the referral didn't warrant an initial assessment."

Khyra was found dead five months later at home in Birmingham last May.

The court also heard a teacher at another school attended by a boy of seven - one of the six children in Khyra's household - was worried as the "gaunt" lad was holding up his trousers.

Gordon denies murder and five child cruelty charges. Partner Junaid Abuhamza, 30, admits five child cruelty charges and manslaughter but denies murder. The trial at Birmingham crown court continues.

1 comment:

Jason said...

This is very bad example of social service. This is the duty of social service workers to save Khyra Ishaq

I think they government should send those social workers back to School of Social Work where they can learn the responsibility of social services.

:)