Allegations Review: Consultation

The government launched a consultation process on 11 September 2007, closing on the 23 October 2007. The information below is an overview of the consultation along with CWDC's reponse.

Sections

Context

The consultation is located within the context of the consolidated guidance document "Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education" which came into force in January 2007, arising from concerns about allegations of child abuse against teachers and other education staff. It outlines guidance to effectively improve the handling of allegations.

To ensure that any such cases are dealt with fairly, quickly and consistently, in a way that provides effective protection for the child, whilst supporting the person who is subject of the allegation

Guidance

The guidance was first published for education staff in November 2005 (updated in November 2006 in "Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education" (Annex A). By including the guidance in "Working Together to Safeguard Children" (Annexes B and C) in April 2006, the scope of the guidance was widened to apply to the whole of the children's workforce.

Key learning points from the guidance

• Every effort should be made to maintain confidentiality and guard against publicity
  
• Target timescales introduced for handling cases. It sets the aim of resolving 80% of cases in under one month, 90% within three months and all cases to be resolved within one year.
  
• There are to be no ‘compromise agreements' - all allegations must be resolved
• Local authorities should employ designated officers (LA officer) to provide advice, liaise with police or other agencies, and to monitor progress of the allegation
  
• The framework should be used where there is cause to believe a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm - where it is alleged that a person who works with children has:
  
  • behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child;
  • possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, a child;
  • behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he is unsuitable to work with children.

• There may be up to three strands in the consideration of an allegation, which would apply whether there is:
  
  • a police investigation of a possible criminal offence; and / or
  • enquiries and assessment by children's social care about whether a child is in need of protection or in need of services; and / or
  • consideration by an employer of disciplinary action in respect of the individual.

Data

Data collected in 2000-01 and 2003-04 shows a mixed picture, but with some room for
improvement. Headline data from these surveys is can be seen in Annex D. This data was collected for the education sector only.

Aim of the review

The aim of the review is to examine how effective the implementation of guidance has been in improving the handling of allegations. As time is limited I suggest that we focus on Annex C, the basis of the consultation, which offers details on the procedures for handling allegations of abuse.

Diagram of the allegation review process

Apprendix C from the report shows the allegation review process.

CWDC's response

CWDC made a response to the findings of the review. View CWDC's response.