Maria Colwell was a young girl from Brighton, England, whose tragic case in 1973 highlighted serious issues in child protection. At just seven years old, she died due to severe neglect and abuse, which raised public awareness about the failures of social services and the legal system in safeguarding vulnerable children. Her death led to significant changes in child welfare policies in the UK. The subsequent Maria Colwell Inquiry examined the circumstances surrounding her case, resulting in recommendations for improved training and communication among social workers, police, and health professionals to better protect children at risk.