Sara Sharif’s tragic case raises serious questions about child protection failures
Woking: Sara Sharif was put on a child protection plan at birth. Her father, Urfan Sharif, had a history of violence. Despite this, she stayed with him.
In February 2013, just a month after her birth, social services were alerted. They learned Urfan slapped a child, but no action was taken.
In May 2013, a social worker noticed a burn mark on a child’s leg. Urfan claimed it was a barbecue accident, and again, nothing happened.
In October 2013, another child had a burn mark from an iron. Urfan said it was an accident, and social services did nothing.
From 2013 to 2014, a child reported Urfan’s violent behavior. In November 2014, Sara went into foster care after a bite mark was reported.
However, she returned to Urfan in October 2019 after a family court hearing. Social services recommended she live with him because it was her preference.
In January 2015, Urfan was reported for waving a knife at home. Social workers noted he was violent towards Sara’s mother, Olga.
In February 2015, a child told their foster carer that Urfan hit them with a belt. Later that year, the child said Urfan hit and kicked them daily.
Olga reported Urfan tightening a belt around her neck. Social workers noted his coercive behavior towards them.
In December 2016, a child told a social worker Urfan punched them and left bruises. Sara flinched when he scolded her during supervised visits.
On June 6, 2022, a teacher reported a bruise on Sara’s face. She initially said another child caused it, but no referral was made.
On March 10, 2023, another teacher saw bruises on Sara. She said she fell, but when she told a different story, social services were contacted.
Six days later, social services took no action. They hadn’t contacted Sara’s family in four years, and the case was closed.
On March 20, 2023, a report was made about Sara’s stepmother using foul language. However, this information was not shared with social services.
On March 28, 2023, the stepmother claimed a mark on Sara’s face was from a pen. A teacher reported this to the school safeguarding lead.
On April 17, 2023, Urfan decided to home-school Sara. School staff were advised to refer concerns, but they saw her looking fine and did not act.
Sadly, Sara was never seen outside the home again.
