CoramBAAF statement in response to the murder of Preston Davey
All of us at CoramBAAF are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Preston Davey. The circumstances surrounding the death of baby Preston at the hands of those who should have been caring for him are shocking and horrific. Our thoughts are with Preston’s family, all those who knew and loved him and those affected by his death.
This case, which resulted in Preston’s prospective adopters being found guilty of multiple counts of abuse and ultimately murder, has also had an impact on all those working in adoption, child protection and the wider adoption community.
All adopters rightly undergo thorough, detailed and comprehensive assessment. The adoption process is highly regulated in order to be able to provide some of our most vulnerable children a safe and loving family when they are unable to stay in the care of their birth family. Thousands of adopted families care for and love their children unconditionally, frequently through many tests and challenges.
We must remember that these individuals, found guilty of horrific crimes, are no more representative of adopters than they are of human beings in general. In particular we need to be aware that when particular identity characteristics (such as sexual orientation) are specifically emphasised, this can distract from the learning we must take from this tragic and distressing case. Individual cases do not represent entire communities and there is no evidence linking sexual orientation to safeguarding risk. Our LGBTQ+ community makes a significant contribution to the adoption community and provide some of the most stable and caring homes for our children.
In due course there will be learning for us all via the publication of the Independent Safeguarding Review. We will give further guidance at that time and seek to support practitioners to implement the findings. We are part of the adoption community, and will work with and support our members along with colleagues in health, police and children’s services to ensure cases such as this are reflected on and the learning embedded.
Our thoughts remain with Preston and his family.
Jane Poore
Adoption Consultant