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Shannen Headley, a reporter from BBC News based in the West Midlands, shared a harrowing story about a young boy named Abiyah Yasharahyalah who tragically lost his life due to severe malnourishment at the hands of his parents. The independent review conducted on this case revealed that Abiyah’s parents, Tai and Naiyahmi Yasharahyalah, let their cultural beliefs adversely affect their son’s well-being, resulting in his untimely passing. The couple was sentenced to jail for causing Abiyah’s death, as they left his body in a house in Birmingham after being evicted in 2022.
Birmingham Children’s Trust echoed the report’s findings, emphasizing that the family had interactions with social services back in 2016, during a time when the services were deemed inadequate. The trust noted that Abiyah’s parents led a lifestyle described as “off-grid,” which meant limited contact with local authority services. Abiyah’s health had significantly deteriorated due to a vegan diet that was restricted and led to severe malnourishment, rickets, anaemia, and stunted growth.
The authorities involved in this case exhibited a lack of curiosity regarding the impact of the parents’ cultural and lifestyle choices on Abiyah’s well-being. While Abiyah was seen by a few professionals during his short life, those interactions were limited. The report highlighted that the professionals’ insufficient understanding of the parents’ belief systems hindered their ability to provide proper care for the child. Moreover, Abiyah’s parents’ behavior often diverted attention away from ensuring his safety and welfare.
The tragedy of Abiyah’s death serves as a stark reminder of the importance of asking probing questions and maintaining a level of scrutiny, especially in cases where children are deemed “out of sight” or when parents lead alternative lifestyles. The Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership emphasized the need for professionals to navigate cultural differences confidently and without fear of discrimination when safeguarding children. The NSPCC also stressed the significance of professionals demonstrating curiosity, sharing information, and conducting thorough assessments to protect vulnerable children like Abiyah
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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