6.2 Pan-Merseyside Pre-Birth Protocol

Research and experience indicate that very young babies are extremely vulnerable and that work carried out in the antenatal period to assess risk and to plan intervention will help to minimise harm. A number of local serious case reviews have been undertaken in respect of babies who became subject to child protection plans prior to birth, or in which the pregnancy was initially concealed. One review identified a lack of recognition on the part of some key workers and decision makers who failed to recognise that significant harm was already being caused to the unborn child which resulted in poor decisions being made.

Please refer to the Pan-Merseyside Pre-Birth Protocol