NCJ Number
212766
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 14 Issue: 5 Dated: September-October 2005 Pages: 297-316
Date Published
September 2005
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article describes the development and applications of a 20-item audit and preparation Toolkit designed to assist the establishment of the new Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) in England and Wales.
Abstract
Transitions and reforms within children’s services in England and Wales have resulted, among other things, in the development of LSCBs in every local authority area. These Boards are to replace the ineffective Area Child Protection Committees (ACPCs) and are designed to offer a multi-agency response to the promotion of children’s welfare. The 20-item audit and preparation Toolkit were designed to assess and prepare ACPCs to make the transition to becoming LSCBs. The development of the Toolkit relied on survey results from 204 members of 16 ACPCs and on testing with a large number of ACPCs. The survey identified barriers to interagency collaboration that must be overcome if the new Boards are to be effective. Barriers include differences in the operational definition of “safeguarding” and confusion regarding collective accountability. The Toolkit responds to these barriers by asking key questions that should be addressed if the new LSCBs are to succeed where the ACPCs failed. Tables, references, appendix