Safeguarding Review Launches After Tragic Death of 10-Year-Old Sara Sharif
The Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) has kicked off a major review following the shocking death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif. The heartbreaking case, which rocked the community, raises serious questions about how local agencies handled the young girl’s welfare.
Who’s Under the Microscope?
The review will take a hard look at the roles played by police, health services, social care, and education teams in Sara’s life. The SSCP wants to find out if anything went wrong and how to stop similar tragedies happening again.
Details of the Tragedy and Legal Action
Sara was found dead at her home in Surrey on August 10. Her father, Urfan Sharif, stepmother Beinash Batool, and uncle Faisal Malik have all been charged with her murder.
Derek Benson, the independent chairman of the SSCP, voiced his sympathy and said:
“Following Sara’s tragic death in Woking, I can confirm that a Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review (LCSPR) will be undertaken. This review is an independent, statutory process that brings together police, health, social care, and education partners to examine the agencies involved with the family and learn from the experience.”
Benson also warned that the review could take time to complete. The findings won’t be shared until the SSCP is confident it won’t interfere with upcoming court proceedings.
Upcoming Trial and Safeguarding Focus
Sara’s father, stepmother, and uncle face trial in September next year, with a plea hearing set for December 1 at the Old Bailey.
The safeguarding review aims to thoroughly assess agency involvement and highlight any gaps in child protection. The hope is that lessons learned will strengthen future safeguarding and help prevent any repeat of this awful tragedy.
