Prioritising services to children and families welcomed

Cumbria Child Protection Committee welcomed Lord Laming`s proposals to make services to children and families a national priority with a ministerial Children and Families Board established at the heart of government. 

Lord Laming made his recommendations in a report into the death of Victoria Climbie. 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. 

Throughout the country, Health, Police and Social Services are being asked to submit an audit of current child protection practice to the government. At a local level the work of Cumbria Child Protection Committees could be taken over by Management Boards for Services to Children and Families. The Board would have the responsibility for appointing a Director of Services to Children and Families, who would oversee the planning and management of multi-agency services to children and families. 

Graham Brooks, Chair of Cumbria Child Protection Committee, says, 

“We deeply regret the tragic and preventable death of Victoria and wish to send our deepest condolences to her parents. Cumbria Child Protection Committee has already implemented some of the decisions recommended by the Laming report. In the area of multi-agency training we have a full time trainer in child protection and the key agencies have agreed minimum levels of competence, which must be demonstrated by all staff working with children. 

We wait to see what decision the government may take regarding the future shape and funding of services to children. In the mean time we are committed to build upon the very considerable progress that we have made in Cumbria in respect of multi-agency work with children and families, so that the transition to any new structure can take place seamlessly, and in a manner which ensures continued good inter-agency working.”