the guidance was issued in July 1988 under the title "Working together - a guide to arrangements for inter-agency co-operation for the protection of children from abuse", which took account of lessons learned from inquiries. including the judicial inquiry into child sexual abuse in Cleveland in 1987, held since the consultation document was issued. Parallel guidance was issued to the police and schools and professional guidance was issued to doctors, nurses and social workers. Corresponding guidance has been issued or is being prepared for the different authorities and professionals in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
325. In October 1986, the Government launched a central training initiative for the training of managers and practitioners in child abuse work. The initiative consists of seven projects at present. In July 1988, the Government announced a new training support programme to support the training of social services staff involved in child care, including child abuse.
326. Arrangements have also been made to receive more accurate data about the incidence of child abuse. In July 1987, the Minister of Health announced arrangements for the collection of annual statistics on child abuse from child protection registers held by local authorities in England and Wales. A pilot study sought information for the period ending 31 March 1988 and a national annual return has been introduced from March 1989. The Secretary of State for Scotland has also set in train work which will lead to the production of local and national statistics on child abuse. In Northern Ireland, statistics on child abuse have been produced annually since 1981.
327. Provisions in the Children Bill are intended to improve the powers of local authorities to protect children at risk. The existing duty to investigate circumstances which suggest that there may be grounds for care proceedings will be replaced by a more active duty to investigate any case where it is suspected that the child is suffering harm or is likely to do so.
328. A new Emergency Protection Order will replace the Place of Safety Order. The new order will enable an authority to gain access to a child and remove him or her to a place of protection where there is reasonable cause to believe that the child's health or well-being would otherwise be damaged. The order will last for eight days only; authorities will be able in exceptional circumstances to apply for an extension for a further seven days, which will be open to challenge by a parent. Parents will also be able to appeal to a court against the making of an Emergency Protection Order after 72 hours.
Under-fives day care
329. The Department of Health has sponsored several initiatives to develop day care services for children and families in the community. As part of the Helping the Community to Care Initiative, a total of £900,000 was made available over three years from October 1986 to the self-help and families project. The project is primarily focused on self-help groups run by voluntary organizations working with families and children. The Department finances eight development officer posts to test the idea that such a person can help disadvantaged people to help themselves.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.