New guidance published on handling child abuse inquiries

The home office and the department of health have published
joint guidance for agencies involved in managing complex child
abuse investigations.

It focuses on issues highlighted in the ‘Lost In Care’ report
into child abuse in north Wales during the 1970s and 80s, including
access to records and information sharing.

The guidance offers practical advice to social services and
police on key inter-agency procedures such as setting up and
closing an investigation, and victim and witness support.

The document has been developed by an inter-agency working
group, chaired by the Association of Chief Police Officers, which
drew together the experiences of police, local authorities and
voluntary organisations involved in complex child abuse
investigations.

For a copy of the guidance call 020 7273 4545.