The draft national strategy replaces the Welsh Government's former child sexual abuse national action plan which was completed in 2022. It sets out the Welsh Government’s strategic intent and actions that need to be taken to build on what was achieved under the former plan, reflecting the engagement work undertaken with key stakeholders between 2023 and 2025.
As a result of this engagement work and following consideration of the findings of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), which published its final report in October 2022, the Welsh Government committed to:
- strengthen and improve compliance with regulatory frameworks across childcare, education, health, and social care
- build on the publication of the Code of Safeguarding Practice, to engage widely and explore views on ensuring that others who provide services or offer activities for children and for adults who may be at risk, have proportionate and effective safeguarding arrangements in place
- seek further views about and explore the implications of placing duties to report children and adults at risk, on individuals, as part of the conversation on next steps
- combine this with further measures to promote access to effective training and tools for practitioners, and to raise and sustain public awareness of abuse, neglect and harm, and the vital steps to take where this is happening or suspected
- be informed by a better understanding of what prevents people from raising and reporting concerns and aim to empower individuals with the confidence to seek the support that they need or know how they can respond to others, to help lessen dangers and secure support for children and adults at risk
Our response
- The draft strategy lacks a detailed position on mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, which is acknowledged as a priority action.
- The goal of any child protection policy is to ensure that children are protected from harm. An evidence review by RCPCH has shown that mandatory reporting of child abuse increases the instances of reported abuse; however, there is limited evidence to show that an increase in reports leads to an increase in protection of, or better outcomes for, children.
- The role of designated professionals, particularly the Designated Doctor for Safeguarding, is crucial for effective implementation, yet there is a significant shortage of such roles in Wales. At present, for more than half the week and during periods of leave, there is no Designated Doctor cover in Wales at all. This is a significant concern that may impact vulnerable children and young people.
Our recommendations
On mandatory reporting, we asked the Welsh Government to consider five key points:
- All types of child abuse must fall under any mandatory reporting duty.
- A children’s rights-based approach must be followed, and a children’s rights impact assessment must be carried out.
- A government systems impact assessment must be carried out.
- Measurable outcomes for children must be built into any plans.
- Clearer definitions must be provided before further consultation.
We believe strengthening measures may be more effective than the introduction of a new duty, such as better use of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) system, increased registration (by regulators) of professionals, standardisation and strengthening the current system, and an alignment of standards across the UK regulators in relation to mandatory reporting.
With regard to the role of Designated Doctors for Safeguarding, the Welsh government should review evidence on the role of designated professionals, specifically the paediatric Designated Doctor for Safeguarding, and seek to ensure there is support in place for these individuals to advocate for, and deliver, the strategy well.
The strategy acknowledges Welsh should be treated no less favourably than English but despite this there is no acknowledgement of the requirements of
Welsh language children within the objectives, actions or priority areas. The 10-year strategy for child sexual abuse should therefore ensure the provision of care and support to children in the Welsh language is a priority, particularly for rural communities. Receiving healthcare and support in your preferred language is crucial, especially for survivors of child sexual abuse.
The Welsh Government should also engage professional bodies, such as RCPCH, to ensure the delivery of the objectives are cross-cutting, evidence-based and can be widely implemented.
Get involved
We respond to a wide range of consultations to ensure that the College’s position, and ultimately children’s health, is represented. Members can get involved in current consultations by contacting us at: enquiries-wales@rcpch.ac.uk.