I cannot understand these cases of missed opportunities when the evidence of child neglect and abuse is so explicit and blatant. Not just to the professional agencies involved, but to any layman with a heart, a conscience and an ounce of good sense.
The horrific death of a little boy
Hamzah Khan was a four year old child who was starved to death by his mother- Amanda Hutton. His remains were mummified, mouldy and swarming with insects when police discovered them in September 2011. Though aged four and a half at the time of his death, Hamzah was so malnourished that he was wearing a baby-grow meant for a baby no older than nine months. Five children aged between five and 11 were found by police when they searched the house. Bradford crown court heard that the children were malnourished, with head lice and fungal infections in their nails. Some were wearing nappies despite being of school age, and appeared to crawl upstairs using their hands rather than walking.During a trial, it emerged a number of agencies, including West Yorkshire Police, had contact with the Hutton family but no-one spotted the danger the children were in. Amanda Hutton was charged with manslaughter and sentenced to fifteen years. During a trial, it emerged a number of agencies, including West Yorkshire Police, had contact with the Hutton family but no-one spotted the danger the children were in.
Amanda Hutton sentenced to 15 years
My thoughts on this horrific case
Amanda Hutton was an alcoholic, drug user and a victim of partner violence. She was obviously dysfunctional and had mental issues. She had met Aftab Khan when she was sixteen and although he was violent to her, she went on to have eight children with him. Records of domestic violence dated back to 1996, but until 2008 Hutton had withdrawn every complaint. Hutton moved house after Khan attacked her and her oldest son in December 2008. Khan eventually pleaded guilty to one charge of battery after Hutton appeared in court to give evidence against him.
Regardless of Huttons partner abuse, alcohol and drug dependency. Hutton was completely responsible for the neglect and abuse of all her children and the death of Hamzah. But not solely responsible. Every adult who had contact with both Hutton and her children were collectively responsible. For they enabled this shocking neglect and abuse to continue in plain sight. The lack of protection and intervention by professionals was both inexcusable and culpable. And those individuals involved in cases such as these - Should be held accountable. Interviews, findings and reports should be made available of thorough and transparent explanations- As to why lack of communication between agencies, intervention and prevention failed these most vulnerable and severely abused children. Are we forever going to hear press releases stating 'Lessons will be learned'?
There were three primary factors in this particular case that should of warranted immediate intervention that could of saved Hamzah's life.
1. The partner abuse
Partner abuse that takes place in the presence of children should be dealt with both seriously and swiftly. A violent male that physically assaults the mother within the family, should be immediately removed. Regardless as to whether he has physically assaulted any children present.(Although partner abuse often goes hand in hand with other abuses) The psychological harm and trauma experienced by the child/children caused by witnessing such violence can be devastating and incredibly detrimental. These children need access to protection, safety and PTSD therapy - As should the mother.
2. Drug and Alcohol abuse by a parent
A parent who abuses either drugs/Alcohol or both is not a fit parent, regardless of any underlying causes of their addiction. If they are under the influence of these substances, then they are incapacitated, physically, mentally and emotionally. If It is illegal for drivers of vehicles to be under the influence of these substances for good reason, then why not the parents of children? Intervention should be immediate, with therapies and continuous monitoring of parent/s substance abuse. If the parent/s do not comply with mandatory testing and therapy, then they are unfit, incapable and too irresponsible to parent a child.
3. Detrimental home environment
One of the obvious signs (Not always the case) of child neglect is the appalling,insanitary and squalid conditions of the home of the child/children. (This includes the child's personal hygiene and clothing.) A good parent will ensure that both their child and it's environment are clean and hygienic. Which is a basic intuitive and protective behaviour that is imperative to the child's welfare. This behaviour is present in most animals, in order to protect their young from diseases, harmful microbes and parasitic infections. If this basic protective necessity is not implemented within the home environment. Then there has to be an underlying cause, such as substance abuse, mental disorders or a psychopathy where a parent is incapable or devoid of the love, care and respect of their child.[Please see images of Hamzah's home on top news link]
'Children have become invisible In plain sight - When they should be prominent in the darkest of corners.'
Suzzan Blac 2015
The horrific death of a little boy
Hamzah Khan was a four year old child who was starved to death by his mother- Amanda Hutton. His remains were mummified, mouldy and swarming with insects when police discovered them in September 2011. Though aged four and a half at the time of his death, Hamzah was so malnourished that he was wearing a baby-grow meant for a baby no older than nine months. Five children aged between five and 11 were found by police when they searched the house. Bradford crown court heard that the children were malnourished, with head lice and fungal infections in their nails. Some were wearing nappies despite being of school age, and appeared to crawl upstairs using their hands rather than walking.During a trial, it emerged a number of agencies, including West Yorkshire Police, had contact with the Hutton family but no-one spotted the danger the children were in. Amanda Hutton was charged with manslaughter and sentenced to fifteen years. During a trial, it emerged a number of agencies, including West Yorkshire Police, had contact with the Hutton family but no-one spotted the danger the children were in.
Amanda Hutton sentenced to 15 years
My thoughts on this horrific case
Amanda Hutton was an alcoholic, drug user and a victim of partner violence. She was obviously dysfunctional and had mental issues. She had met Aftab Khan when she was sixteen and although he was violent to her, she went on to have eight children with him. Records of domestic violence dated back to 1996, but until 2008 Hutton had withdrawn every complaint. Hutton moved house after Khan attacked her and her oldest son in December 2008. Khan eventually pleaded guilty to one charge of battery after Hutton appeared in court to give evidence against him.
Regardless of Huttons partner abuse, alcohol and drug dependency. Hutton was completely responsible for the neglect and abuse of all her children and the death of Hamzah. But not solely responsible. Every adult who had contact with both Hutton and her children were collectively responsible. For they enabled this shocking neglect and abuse to continue in plain sight. The lack of protection and intervention by professionals was both inexcusable and culpable. And those individuals involved in cases such as these - Should be held accountable. Interviews, findings and reports should be made available of thorough and transparent explanations- As to why lack of communication between agencies, intervention and prevention failed these most vulnerable and severely abused children. Are we forever going to hear press releases stating 'Lessons will be learned'?
There were three primary factors in this particular case that should of warranted immediate intervention that could of saved Hamzah's life.
1. The partner abuse
Partner abuse that takes place in the presence of children should be dealt with both seriously and swiftly. A violent male that physically assaults the mother within the family, should be immediately removed. Regardless as to whether he has physically assaulted any children present.(Although partner abuse often goes hand in hand with other abuses) The psychological harm and trauma experienced by the child/children caused by witnessing such violence can be devastating and incredibly detrimental. These children need access to protection, safety and PTSD therapy - As should the mother.
2. Drug and Alcohol abuse by a parent
A parent who abuses either drugs/Alcohol or both is not a fit parent, regardless of any underlying causes of their addiction. If they are under the influence of these substances, then they are incapacitated, physically, mentally and emotionally. If It is illegal for drivers of vehicles to be under the influence of these substances for good reason, then why not the parents of children? Intervention should be immediate, with therapies and continuous monitoring of parent/s substance abuse. If the parent/s do not comply with mandatory testing and therapy, then they are unfit, incapable and too irresponsible to parent a child.
3. Detrimental home environment
One of the obvious signs (Not always the case) of child neglect is the appalling,insanitary and squalid conditions of the home of the child/children. (This includes the child's personal hygiene and clothing.) A good parent will ensure that both their child and it's environment are clean and hygienic. Which is a basic intuitive and protective behaviour that is imperative to the child's welfare. This behaviour is present in most animals, in order to protect their young from diseases, harmful microbes and parasitic infections. If this basic protective necessity is not implemented within the home environment. Then there has to be an underlying cause, such as substance abuse, mental disorders or a psychopathy where a parent is incapable or devoid of the love, care and respect of their child.[Please see images of Hamzah's home on top news link]
'Children have become invisible In plain sight - When they should be prominent in the darkest of corners.'
Suzzan Blac 2015