Maya's Law: 'Urgent need for action' to deliver strongest protection for children
It's following the sentencing of two men for killing their adoptive son in Blackpool
The family of a County Durham toddler who died at the hands of her mum's partner is calling for an urgent need for a better safeguarding system for at-risk children.
It's after England's children's commissioner, Dame Rachel De Souza, says she has a 'responsibility' to challenge systems which 'failed' a 13-month-old boy.
Teacher Jamie Varley's never leaving prison for sexually abusing and murdering his adoptive son Preston Davey in Blackpool in 2023.
His partner John McGowan-Fazakerley's also been jailed over the child's death.
Preston suffered 40 injuries, and was taken to hospital three times in the months beforehand.
Two year-old Maya Chappell died in 2022 and her family's been campaigning for a disclosure scheme as part of 'Maya's Law'.
Gemma Chappell, great aunt of Maya, said: "Our thoughts are first and foremost with everyone who loved Preston.
"No child should suffer harm, and no family should have to experience the unimaginable pain of losing a child in such tragic circumstances.
"The comments made by the Children’s Commissioner following Preston’s death are deeply concerning, particularly her description of this as a failure of the state and the safeguarding system.
"Sadly, families affected by child abuse and neglect will recognise many of the themes that continue to emerge following the deaths of children across the country. These include concerns around information sharing, professional curiosity, risk assessment and missed opportunities to intervene when warning signs are present.
"These are not issues unique to one child, one family or one area. They are recurring themes that have appeared in case reviews and safeguarding reports for many years.
"As the family behind Maya’s Law, we know first-hand the devastating consequences when opportunities to protect a child are missed.
"While we welcome the ongoing work being undertaken by Government, safeguarding agencies and the Children’s Commissioner to strengthen child protection, we believe there remains an urgent need to ensure that lessons identified are translated into meaningful action.
"Every child deserves the strongest possible protection.
"Our campaign continues to call for measures that help professionals identify risk, improve information sharing and ensure those responsible for protecting children have access to the information they need to keep children safe.
"Preston’s death must be a moment for reflection, accountability and learning, but above all it must strengthen our collective determination to prevent future tragedies.
"For Preston.
"For Maya.
"For every child."