Children First: The Child Protection System in England

In response to today’s report from the Education Select Committee report; Children First: The Child Protection System in England, Dr Shade Alu, who gave oral evidence to the inquiry on behalf of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and Dr Amanda Thomas, Child Protection Officer at the RCPCH, said:

“We vocally expressed our concerns about ensuring child protection is prioritised as part of the NHS reforms – and are pleased to see this report call on the Department of Health to clarify safeguarding responsibilities in the new structures  and to confirm the key roles of named and designated doctors.

“We support the need for more guidance and multiagency training for all frontline professionals on the long-term developmental consequences of neglect, not only for young children but also adolescents.  This is crucial in ensuring early intervention – which is proven to be effective – where problems are detected.

“We also welcome the emphasis of this report on varying thresholds for intervention in different areas and the need for further research on this issue – it is essential that a child, whether in Newcastle or Newquay, receives an equitable level of protection.

 “The Select Committee has clearly listened to the evidence put before them.  We now strongly urge the government to take forward their recommendations.” 

Ends.

The Committee's report is available here: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/education-committee/news/substantive-children-first/