Child Q, a Black schoolgirl, was strip-searched by officers from the Metropolitan Police without an appropriate adult present, after being wrongly suspected of possessing cannabis. Child Q’s treatment sparked outrage and highlighted significant safeguarding failures. This blog explores the details of the case and the broader implications for child protection.

As I reflect on the misconduct hearing of the police officers in relation to Child Q that started a few weeks ago, I’m realise that what happened to Child Q is a stark reminder of the need for constant vigilance and reform in multi-agency child protection. We should be constantly redefining what is harm, and it is crucial to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, are treated with respect and dignity.

This happened in my borough, Hackney; I still feel deeply upset and shocked by her treatment, I wonder is this endemic? Is this how our Black and global majority children are seen and treated? Let’s remind ourselves that:

• Child Q was taken to a medical room at her school
• She was strip-searched by police officers
• No appropriate adult was present during the search
• No drugs were found on Child Q
• An independent review found that the strip-search was unjustified and likely racially motivated
• The review identified significant safeguarding failures
• The incident had a profound impact on Child Q
• The case raised serious questions about police practices and racial bias
• It highlights the importance of appropriate adult support for children in police custody
• There is a need for improved training and accountability for police officers.

Why this Matters: The incident of Child Q had everyone asking serious questions about how the police treat kids, especially Black and global majority children. It highlighted the need for better training and accountability for police officers, and ensuring our children have an appropriate adult present when they're speaking with the police. Child Q still remains a wake-up call. We must do better to protect all children and ensure they're treated with respect, no matter who they are. All safeguarding partners have to be trauma informed and anti-racist in our approach.

The fact that the independent review found the search "likely racially motivated" is extremely serious. It raises concerns about systemic racism within the police force and how Black and global majority children are treated compared to their white counterparts. This isn't just about one incident, it's about broader patterns of behaviour and discrimination. There should have been procedures in place to ensure Child Q's wellbeing and rights were protected.

Call to Action: Child Q's case wasn't an isolated incident. It fits into a larger conversation about how children, particularly Black and global majority children, are treated within the criminal justice system and by authority figures. It highlights the power imbalances that exist and the vulnerability of children in these situations.

The experiences of Child Q continues to spark discussions about policies, practices, and cultural changes that need to happen to prevent similar incidents in the future. I’d really like to see the lessons from Child Q’s treatment woven into the various reform programmes being developed right across government, from children’s social care and policing to wider strategies and priorities, such as reducing violence against women and girls. And we are the ones to make sure they do it!