CHILD protection services face a Scrutiny review.
Significant changes are being introduced as part of the implementation of the new children’s law, which is expected to come into force early in 2010.
The committee’s latest progress report reveals that it will commission an independent consultant to investigate this area once the changes have bedded in.
It has set up a panel, led by Deputy Martin Storey (pictured), to draw up terms of reference.
‘In the light of high profile incidents such as Baby P and the Doncaster cases, no system of child protection should go without asking serious questions of itself to make sure that it can safeguard, as far as is possible, against such tragic events ever happening in their jurisdiction,’ said Scrutiny.
The committee says that the main aim of the investigation is to assure islanders that the Guernsey system for the protection of children is as robust as it can possibly be. In particular, Scrutiny wants to ensure that ‘on the ground’ service delivery is effective.
Any recommendations from the review would be aimed at strengthening arrangements for protecting children.
‘Once the proposed new procedures have had a chance to bed in, the Scrutiny Committee intends to commission an independent consultant to review the effectiveness of child protection services,’ said the report.
‘In the meantime, the committee is carrying out in-house desktop research and monitoring departments’ progress. The groundwork undertaken this year has enabled the panel to develop a sound framework for the review.’
It is thought that by starting scrutiny so far in advance of the proposed consultant’s review, the committee will be able to monitor progress in the interim and can highlight any concerns or layman’s questions at an early stage.
‘The committee will gather information on the implementation process as it happens, rather than departments and agencies having to provide evidence of this retrospectively. This approach allows us to set realistic expectations of the review outcomes and focus minds on making improvements in anticipation of in-depth, independent scrutiny.’
Article posted on 4th November, 2009 - 1.00pm
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