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The Children’s Commissioner for England is calling on members of the House of Lords to support a key amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would establish national thresholds for social care intervention – a move she says is vital to prevent future tragedies like the death of ten-year-old Sara Sharif.
Sara, who had been known to local authorities since birth, died after becoming “invisible to local services”, despite a background of domestic abuse, visible bruising, and being withdrawn from school. According to the Commissioner, her circumstances failed to trigger adequate support from professionals in Surrey, highlighting systemic gaps in children’s social care.
“As the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill returns to Parliament, I urge Peers to support the proposed amendment to set national thresholds for triggering an assessment by social care, ending the postcode lottery in children’s social care that is putting young lives at risk,” the Commissioner said.
“I also urge them to take this opportunity to give children equal protection from assault – something Sara was cruelly denied.”
The amendment, known as ‘Sara’s Law’, has been tabled by Lord Mohammed of Tinsley and is due for debate in the House of Lords. It would introduce consistent national standards for assessing and supporting children through Child in Need plans, and improve oversight of their effectiveness.
The Commissioner’s own research has uncovered wide variation across England in how and when local authorities intervene to protect vulnerable children. “No child’s safety should be determined by inconsistent local decisions,” she said. “The time to act is now.”
Under section 17 of the Children Act 1989, children deemed “in need” are entitled to a multi-agency plan for support – but current thresholds vary significantly by region. In one area, a child with a parent suffering from substance misuse may qualify for a plan; in another, they may only receive minimal support. The amendment aligns with recommendations previously made by the Children’s Commissioner in two reports highlighting the risks posed by such inconsistencies.
