A 10-year-old boy, known as ‘Abdur’, faced severe neglect that went unnoticed until he was hospitalized with various illnesses. The boy was found to have malnourishment, anaemia, and scurvy, along with severe leg pain and teeth removal due to mistreatment under his mother’s care. Despite being under a care order by Oldham council, his deteriorating health was overlooked.
Abdur, described as a pleasant child, had raised concerns at school about feeling unwell, but the signs were not acted upon promptly. Social services were alerted multiple times about his rapid weight loss and neglect, yet the severity of the situation was missed. Even after several medical visits, including to A&E and a GP, his condition was not identified until his school nurse intervened.
The safeguarding report highlighted significant failures by multiple agencies in the lead-up to Abdur’s hospitalization, emphasizing missed opportunities to prevent the crisis. Abdur continues to reside with his family under a care order, with ongoing concerns about his well-being. Oldham council acknowledged the shortcomings in handling the case and vowed to enhance safeguarding practices to ensure better protection for vulnerable children.