Another child has lost their life. Another family has been devastated.

Another child has lost their life. Another family has been devastated. Another case where abuse is alleged to have continued over a prolonged period before ending in tragedy.

According to evidence heard in court, two-year-old Isabelle Rose Welsh suffered a sustained campaign of violence, including multiple injuries over a number of weeks, before suffering the fatal injuries that led to her death.

As this case progresses through the courts, our thoughts must remain with Isabelle and those who loved her.

At Putting Families First, we believe these tragedies raise difficult but necessary questions. Were there warning signs? Were concerns raised by family members, professionals or members of the public? Were opportunities missed to intervene? What lessons can be learned to better protect vulnerable children?

Every child deserves to grow up safe, loved and protected. When safeguarding systems fail, there must be accountability, transparency and a commitment to learning from mistakes.

We cannot keep waiting until a child has died before asking whether more could have been done. Children must come first. Always.