Failures in Child Protection Exposed Following Sara Sharif Murder Convictions

Sara Sharif’s death reveals systemic flaws in Surrey County Council’s handling of child safeguarding, as her siblings’ future and council accountability remain in question.

Sara Sharif’s father and stepmother were convicted of her murder after evidence of severe and prolonged abuse came to light during their trial.
A newly released report highlights critical missteps by Surrey County Council, including assigning an inexperienced social worker to assess Sara’s custody case despite prior allegations against her father.
The council failed to act on multiple warnings and historical evidence of abuse, ultimately supporting Sara’s placement with her father in 2019.
Sara’s siblings, currently in Pakistan under their grandfather’s care, are at the center of a custody battle, with Surrey County Council seeking their return to the UK.
An independent review into Surrey County Council’s broader handling of child protection cases, including other failures, is ongoing, raising concerns about systemic issues.