It follows concern that serious case reviews into child abuse and neglect were taking too long.

BBC: New child abuse review system to help learn lessons

The study was published in the journal of Child Abuse and Neglect.

BBC: Overprotected children 'more likely to be bullied'

Nearly three-quarters of a million children fell victim to child abuse and neglect in 2011, the most recent year for which data was available, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

CNN: The question your doctor may start asking

"Under Welsh Assembly Government guidance the Local Safeguarding Children's Board undertakes a case review whenever a child dies and abuse or neglect is suspected, " said a spokesman.

BBC: Questions after girl's drug death

Texas Child Protection Services confirmed it had received allegations of physical abuse and neglect and was investigating, but had not yet determined whether the allegations were true.

BBC: Russia investigates 'murder' of Max Shatto, US adoptee

As his files documented, as a child he suffered from poor nutrition, severe parental neglect, sustained physical and sexual abuse, early head injuries, learning disabilities, poor cognitive functioning and lead exposure.

WSJ: Neurocriminology: Inside the Criminal Mind