Bradford ahead of schedule to safeguard children
A new board to co-ordinate work protecting the district's children should be up and running next year.
Following the Laming Inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie, all local authorities have to establish a Local Safeguarding Board to co-ordinate and monitor the work of a number of agencies protecting children.
Bradford Council's Executive will hear on Tuesday, November 1, that Bradford is well ahead of schedule to establish the board ahead of the April 1 deadline, and that the new board should be in place in the New Year.
The Council has been commended by both the Department for Education and Skills and the Regional Government Office for its preparation.
Coun Martin Smith, the Executive Member for Social Care, said: "The safety and welfare of children in the district is paramount and we want to make sure that we share information to try to prevent tragedies such as the Victoria Climbie case.
"We are looking forward to continuing the good working relationship we have already established between agencies involved in child protection and learning from each other."
The board will replace the existing Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) and will develop policies and procedures for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in the authority.
It will undertake reviews of cases where a child has died or has been seriously harmed in circumstances where abuse or neglect has been known or suspected and from April 2008 take responsibility to review all unexpected child deaths, including cot deaths.
The board will also provide training, monitor and evaluate work being undertaken and raise awareness of child protection issues.
Officer/Contact:
Julie Jenkins, Divisional Service Manager
Telephone 01274 437944
Communications Officer:
Sarah Bayliss
Tel: 01274 433526
Fax: 01274 432005
Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk
