Verphy Kudi: Independent report on baby Asiah’s death in Brighton
Social workers could not have predicted a mother would let her baby die alone in an apartment while out partying, an independent review has ruled.
Verphy Kudi was thought to be a loving mother by health professionals – but she left her little girl behind for six days as she celebrated her 18th birthday.
Asiah, who was just 20 months old, was suffering “terribly” from a combination of starvation and influenza before her death.
Kudi was sentenced to nine years for manslaughter and now an official account of the tragedy has been released.
The Brighton and Hove Safeguarding Children Partnership review found no one could have predicted “the appalling nature of what happened”.
The report made 17 recommendations to prevent a repeat of the December 2019 events.
This includes the introduction of a system of daily checks at the accommodation in Islingword Road, Brighton, where Asiah and her mother were staying.
If a young parent has a social worker, then their child should have one too, the report says.
The recommendations also include that young parents in assisted living are regularly checked and risks assessed.
After the report was released, Brighton Council’s Executive Director for Families Deb Austin said he had highlighted the “high level of support and services provided to Asiah and her mother”.
She said: “We reinforced our cross-agency assessments before making any changes to a child’s plan and updating the guidance for a child with a social worker.
“We continue to improve the process for housing and assisted living for children with children.”
Last year Kudi appeared at Lewes Crown Court where she admitted manslaughter.
An inquest into Asiah’s death is due to be held at Brighton Coroner’s Court next year.
https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/23136031.verphy-kudi-independent-report-death-baby-asiah-brighton/?ref=rss Verphy Kudi: Independent report on baby Asiah’s death in Brighton
