Baby P It Must Never Happen Again

by John McShane

This is a comprehensive look at the events leading up to the death of Baby P. A recent investigation has found that there was poor communication between authorities, a repeated failure to take into account the child's history and inaccurate documentation of events by Haringey Council. Child protection plans were heavily criticized in the inspection report for being disorganized with little analysis of the child and no clear decision-making. With the three perpetrators awaiting sentencing and politicians debating what can be done now and in the future, the public are left angry and bewildered as just how this was allowed to happen.

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[teleri · Rating 1 out of 5]

The death of baby P could, and should have, been prevented.

Do you ever pick a book up and start reading it in the spur of the moment? That's the situation that happened here. Picture bored me browsing her shelf when this book stood out. I personally love books dedicated to one case and was part excited part nervous about what I was going to read. Fast forward to me being extremely disappointed as soon as I read page one. It took the author five full pages to start mentioning the case, the previous pages were all dedicated to the area the crime took place (dating back to the victorian era, as if that's needed or wanted).


I'd say a small portion of this book was okay, and that's just when he's mentioning the standard information on the case. The majority of the two hundred and eighty-page book is filled with what the headlines have said, and what politicians have to say. Seriously there was a whole chapter just copied and pasted from a report, again, as if that was needed.

The book also had a habit of repeating itself. The book also had a habit of repeating itself. The book also had a habit of repeating itself. Even rereading over those three sentences had me rolling my eyes, yet the author felt it was necessary to repeat information that was already mentioned in the reports that he was so happy to copy and paste. God knows how much information I reread. I'd love to pull up receipts but even the idea of having to search this book for evidence makes me want to pull my hair out.

I seriously do not recommend this book, mainly because it's boring and repetitive but if I haven't put you off then I suggest you be aware that this book obviously mentions the abuse that Peter suffered. It's mentioned quite a few times so if you're triggered by child abuse then this book clearly isn't for you.

[Shelly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sad it breaks your heart .

[Michael Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so hard to read it took a long time getting to the end. This is the only time when i believe when hanging should be used. That poor bane to go through all that...Having three children and a step child of my own i couldn't even begin to think of the cruel things Peter went through. And for his father not to notice too. He's just as bad as the social workers. I'd know...

[Laura Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

When this happened it was hard not hear about it, the case was prolific. I am thinking of returning to social work and wanted to understand how child protection failed this little mite. I wish I hadn't read it. This is one of the saddest, heart breaking stories I have ever read. I cannot even begin to understand why in this day and age this abuse is not met with tougher sentencing.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

one of the saddest books i have ever read wish I had never read it couldn't ever bring myself to read it again

[Leanne Keenoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

As expected a tragic, upsetting read but didn't tell me anything I didn't already know from following the story in the news.