Anna had been known to Children’s Services throughout her life from being a year old and had experience of being in Foster Care. Her childhood had been marked by poor home conditions, the suicide of her sibling, the problematic drinking of her parents and domestic abuse. In addition, her mother suffered from emotional ill health and made multiple suicide attempts. Anna as a child was referred to at points as her ‘carer’.

Anna had extensive involvement with multiple agencies, including health services. Anna suffered a range of long-term physical health issues which caused her a high level of pain, affected her mobility and resulted in her taking strong medication. Anna also struggled with her mental health and would have episodes of self-harm and made several attempts to take her own life. At the age of 18, Anna was diagnosed with Emerging Personality Disorder (also known as borderline personality disorder).

In her teens, Anna became a mother to her daughter Ella Rose and both were placed in a mother and baby Foster Care placement. Upon leaving the placement Anna and Ella Rose moved many times. Anna was described as a loving mother and Ella Rose was a happy child; however, Anna struggled to maintain the living conditions at the family home that she shared with her partner, Ella Rose and their many pets and provide adequate care for Ella Rose. Subsequently, Ella Rose was placed on a Child in Need plan. This was eventually stepped down to Early Help following Anna making improvements to the condition of the home and ongoing stability provided
by Ella Rose’s father, Anna’s partner and Ella Rose’s paternal grandparents.

After initially making improvements to the home conditions and presentation of Ella Rose, Anna was unable to maintain this, and concerns were raised that led to agencies becoming involved with the family again. Anna agreed for Ella Rose to stay with a family friend whilst she cleaned the property. Sadly, Anna took her own life a week later.

Please see below for the Full Report and its findings:

Anna Alternative Learning Review – Report

Anna Alternative Learning Review - Lessons Learned Briefing

7-Minute Briefing - Escalation Protocol

7-Minute Briefing - The Importance of History in Assessments 

7-Minute Briefing - Children of parents with Mental Health problems

7-Minute Briefing - Early Help

7-Minute Briefing - New partners joining households

7-Minute Briefing - Parental Capacity to Change

7-Minute Briefing - Suicide Awareness

7-Minute Briefing - The links between child/vulnerable adult and animal abuse