Child Protection

Few surprises from the final paper from the Munro Review, with further critical analysis of the “one size fits all” approach and the quantity of red tape in the current child protection system. Acknowledging the importance of early intervention, the report also (in keeping with a theme in health and social care reform at the moment) stresses the need for more local solutions. And there’s an emphasis on accountability, with the recommendation that Local Safeguarding Children Boards should submit annual reports directly to the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council, as well as to the local Police and Crime Commissioner and the chair of the health and wellbeing board. A further indication that the Munro review wants increased visibility for child protection is the recommendation that councils appoint a dedicated children’s services director. Finally, there’s a lot said in support of social workers, both in terms of removing the bureaucratic barriers and encouraging clearer connections between front-line practitioners and local authority managers. However, as the RCPCH and other have observed, the report has been launched into the maelstrom of NHS reforms and local authority budget cuts, which will inevitably impact child protection provision.