The family of Ethan Ives-Griffiths, a two-year-old murdered by his grandparents in 2021, has condemned delays in a review of social services' handling of the case. Ethan Ives-Griffiths was killed by Michael and Kerry Ives at their home in Garden City, Flintshire, while on the child protection register. His mother, Shannon Ives, was convicted of child cruelty and causing or allowing his death.

A Child Practice Review by the North Wales Safeguarding Board was expected in early 2026 but has been postponed due to additional interviews being required. Ethan's paternal grandmother, Kellie Shone, called the delay "another failure" following the toddler's death from severe malnutrition and dehydration. The case revealed social workers had not seen Ethan for over three weeks before his death, despite regulations requiring visits every 10 days for children on the protection register.

The tragedy exposed systemic failures in child protection protocols, with social workers and health visitors unable to access Ethan despite multiple attempts in the weeks before his death. Mold Crown Court heard evidence of over 40 injuries on the toddler's body when he died. The Iveses received life sentences of 23 and 17 years respectively, while Shannon Ives was jailed for 12 years. The Attorney General is now reviewing whether these sentences should be increased under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.