Unfortunately, it wasn’t a happy ending, but Baby P’s story finally came to an end with the trial and sentence of mother and boyfriend who were responsible for one of the worst cases of sadistic brutality and sordid child neglect ever to be reported in the UK.

It’s been nearly two years since the 17 months toddler died due to repeated violent physical abuse and only now, Baby P’s mother and her boyfriend were finally sentenced.

The mother was sentenced with another 644 days in solitary confinement for her own protection and the boyfriend person who Baby P referred as “dad” was sentenced for 12 years for causing or allowing Peter’s death; earlier in the month he had been convicted for the rape of a two year girl and will spend the rest of his days in jail for that crime.

This sickening story caused a hike in qualified social workers salaries, not only in Haringey’s Council but across the UK due to the lack of qualified social workers willing to take on this challenging, stressful job.

Councils and the government are trying their best to incite qualified and independent social workers to go back to their jobs. Good salaries, especial benefits, relocation allowances and even pre-approved mortgages are on the list of privileges offered.

Ensuring a qualified social worker is handling such cases is certainly a must for the future, and increasing the amount of qualified social workers employed should also be questioned to prevent other cases from slipping through the system?

What can be done to prevent appalling cases of prolonged child neglect and abuse, as in Baby P’s case, from occurring again?