Laming report calls for step change in child protection
Author: Local Government Association |
The government needs to undertake a series of urgent measures to make sure child social workers and councils are equipped to prevent as many cases of child abuse as possible, the Laming report has said.
Lord Laming’s inquiry into progress made in safeguarding reforms he recommended six years ago after the death of Victoria Climbie found that although significant progress has been made in legislative and structural terms, child protection issues have not had the priority they deserve and a “step change” is needed to translate policy and guidance into day-to-day practice on the frontline.
Key to this will be new strategic priorities set out for child protection by the government.
“There is little hope for the full integration and joined-up working of local and regional services if the same approach is not fully realised in central government. Now is the time to address this balance,” the report says.
Among the 58 recommendations Lord Laming makes, increased personal accountability of the most senior managers is seen as a priority – they are responsible for making sure the government policies set out in the Every Child Matters agenda and the Children’s Acts of 1989 and 2004, are applied at the “front door”.