Proactive Child Protection helps meet Laming's recommendations for Social Services

Today, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet announced the results of Social Services self-audit of Child protection services in response to Lord Laming's recommendations. The rigorous audit has shown that, in general, systems and monitoring procedures are in place to ensure that the Council meets many of the standards required. Building on the good practice already in existence, the Department's Improvement Plans will further address child protection issues. Investment in the improvement of front line services will enable the Council to progress towards the highest standards set. 

The recommendations, made in relation to the Victoria Climbie case, highlights seven standards involving over a hundred separate recommendations for Social Services departments across the country. Lord Laming's recommendations make services to children and families a national priority with a ministerial Children and Families Board established at the heart of government. If accepted by the government, the recommendations will have far reaching implications for how services for children and families are provided on a multi-agency basis. A green paper is expected in the summer. 

County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for Care and Social Services says, 

"We have already implemented some of the recommended by Lord Laming and were already undertaking much of the work highlighted by him as good practice. We are part of the multi-agency Cumbria Child Protection Committee (CCPC) and work closely with other partners to protect vulnerable children. 

I am pleased that the audit has highlighted so many areas of current good practice. Performance Improvement Plans and our focus on front line service development will help us to work towards the highest standards outlined in Lord Laming's report. It is important to remember that we can all help to safeguard children by ensuring statutory and voluntary agencies continue to work together with communities to protect children. We are all responsible for the protection of our children; the most vulnerable members of society. We will continue to build on best practice to meet the needs of children and families in Cumbria." 

The 2003/4 budget significantly increases resources for Child and family services and includes £800,000 to increase staff capacity.