The murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey, who was sexually abused and killed by his adoptive father Jamie Varley, has shocked and saddened people across the country.

As horrific details emerged during the trial, many people were left asking the same question: how can so many agencies know about a child and still not see what was happening?

Reports suggest that multiple organisations had contact with Preston during his short life. Within approximately two months of being placed with his adoptive parents, Preston attended hospital for the first time. Over the following nine weeks, there were at least ten contacts with multiple agencies and professionals before his death.

Like many previous incidents, concerns were raised, injuries were observed, explanations were given, referrals and decisions were made across different parts of the system. Surely, if enough professionals know about a child, someone should be able to see the danger?

The unfortunate reality is that many children who experience these tragic outcomes are known to services. Recent analysis by the independent child safeguarding review panel found that 84% of families in reviewed cases were already known to children’s social care. Similar findings emerged from reviews we conducted in Wales, where the overwhelming majority of children had previous involvement with agencies before the incident occurred.

No single professional or agency usually holds the complete picture. A teacher may notice a change in behaviour. A health professional may........

© The Conversation