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It is clear from the draft of the government's response to the Victoria Climbie Report and the joint chief inspectors' report Safeguarding Children, that this response, and the accompanying green paper on children's services, will create a system which could achieve major improvements for children.

The changes they introduce will pose a significant challenge to all agencies. But if all agencies are properly equipped to meet it - with sufficient resources and support, and a massive recruitment campaign, not just with deadlines, targets and performance indicators - there will be ample reason for practitioners to welcome the government's approach.


For a start, the analysis of the problem is accurate, focusing on the lack of response to children identified as in need; the shortage of staff, particularly properly trained professionals; the fact that agencies other than social services rarely take proper responsibility for child protection; poor practice exacerbated by poor management; and the tendency to marginalise the child's needs. The government makes clear that the legislative framework in the Children Act 1989 is basically sound. What is at fault is its interpretation, resourcing and implementation.

It is clear the green paper will focus on prevention, and that the government sees child protection as part of the full spectrum of children's services. Most importantly, a new statutory structure will compel all agencies to play their part, ensuring information is shared.


Most organisations representing social care will probably welcome the changes. But they must lobby hard for the resources to make them work, however much this tries the patience of ministers and officials. We must all push for a realistic understanding of just how long a journey is being mapped out here. The government must listen, or take the blame for the unforgivable waste of an opportunity.