Chris Robson, president of the safeguarding association, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the family members who were involved in this review and wanted something positive to come out of AL’s death.
“The review highlights many of the complexities that agencies may face in supporting children and young people and their families in poor mental health, particularly when mental health problems are experienced from generation to generation.
“There’s always a good balance between taking steps that support families and taking steps that alienate them. That’s particularly challenging when poor mental health leads to neglect.
“In the case of AL, it’s clear that while there was good support over a number of years, there could have been more professional curiosity and a better understanding of the whole family and the history of the family.”
Stuart Richardson, chief executive of NSFT, which provides NHS mental health services in Norfolk and Suffolk, said: “Our deepest condolences to the young man’s family and friends.
“NSFT will continue to work closely with and support both statutory and voluntary community and social enterprise agencies to implement early interventions in responding to difficulties within families, especially when those difficulties lead to deterioration in mental health.
“As part of our ongoing confidence improvement program, we have a dedicated workflow looking at demand and capacity across all lines of service, including children, family and youth services.”
An inquest into the child’s death will be held in due course.
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