Hamzah Khan's case, which came to light in September 2011, revealed deep flaws in the mechanisms meant to safeguard vulnerable children and led to widespread calls for reform.

Hamzah Khan's life ended in December 2009, when he was just four years old. His mother, Amanda Hutton, a single parent struggling with alcohol abuse, failed to provide the care and nourishment he needed.

For nearly two years, Hamzah's decomposing body lay hidden under a pile of clothes in Hutton's bedroom, undiscovered until authorities intervened. It soon became clear that Hamzah had suffered severe neglect and malnutrition over an extended period.

Amanda Hutton's trial in 2013 demonstrated a household marked by neglect and abuse. Hutton was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence, child cruelty regarding five of her other children, and preventing the lawful burial of a body.

Hutton's defense argued that she was a victim of domestic abuse, which influenced her actions. The jury ultimately found her responsible for Hamzah's death, sentencing her to 15 years in prison.

The Hamzah Khan case again exposed was the systemic failure of social services, the police, and other agencies tasked with protecting children. Despite multiple reports and concerns about Hamzah and his siblings' welfare, there was a significant lack of effective action. A serious case review highlighted numerous missed opportunities where timely intervention could have saved Hamzah's life. This failure underscored the urgent need for better communication and coordination among different agencies responsible for child welfare.

The case highlighted the importance of rigorous monitoring and support systems for vulnerable children, ensuring that warning signs of neglect and abuse are not overlooked.

In the wake of Hamzah Khan's death, there was a renewed focus on improving the mechanisms for safeguarding children. Authorities emphasised the need for better training for social workers, improved inter-agency communication, and more robust policies to ensure that children at risk are identified and protected promptly.

The tragedy also served as a reminder of the vital role that community members play in safeguarding children, encouraging people to report any concerns about a child's welfare to the appropriate authorities.

This case is a stark illustration of the devastating consequences of child neglect and the systemic failures that can occur within child protection services. We need effective, coordinated efforts to safeguard vulnerable children and ensure that no child suffers the same fate as Hamzah Khan.