The NRP reviews cases where a serious incident or death occurs of children or young people under 18 who are in the care of the state, or have been known to the Child and Family Agency’s social work department or funded services. It also reviews cases which have come to light which carry a high level of public concern and the need for further investigation is apparent. Its main function is to determine the quality of service provision to the child or young person prior to their death or experience of a serious incident. It focuses primarily on the effectiveness of frontline and management activity as well the compliance with guidance and procedures. It also examines inter-agency collaboration and identifies obstacles to good practice. One of its most important functions is to identify areas for learning and each report contains a section specifically for this purpose.