Smokeandsteam
Working Class First
at the time it came out those who had spoken up were quick to say so. I seem to recall more than the 2 women smokeandsteam mentioned. Almost invariably workers 'at the sharp end' iirc. These concerns then not taken forward by higher up, or the police. And thats where I think the class angle ties in with the same police inaction. The PC Brigade was a cast iron deflector though. I bet there were even a few criminally negligent twats who did think 'better not look raciist'. But everyone involved? 1400 kids? Are we really to believe the sheer amount of people involved in the agencies orgs and policing would rather cover up abuse of the vulnerable than look racist? Cos thats what we are being asked to swallow here.
I think your first point is right - there were junior grades/frontline staff who sussed what was going on (mind you, how could you miss it?) and fed it up the chain where it was ignored/buried/whatever.
I think your second point doesn't make sense. If everyone knew - 'the sheer amount of people involved in the agencies' - which I agree with then why was nothing done?