Delays in criminal checks threaten children`s homes

Delays in the processing of Criminal Records Bureau checks are
seriously disrupting services in children’s homes and could
force some to close, writes Derren
Hayes.

Some providers of children’s services are reporting an
8-10 week wait for CRB enhanced disclosure, exacerbated by
confusion over whether children’s home managers need to
register with the new National Care Standards Commission by the
beginning of August.

The Association of Independent Child Care Providers – a
coalition of 16 private sector companies running nearly 200 child
care homes – has warned that the two-month backlog will mean
some managers may miss the deadline for registering with the
NCSC.

Some regional NCSC offices have recognised the problem and are
allowing managers waiting for CRB checks to work in homes as long
as they are supervised, but others are not.

David Ayers, chairman of the AICCP, said: “The regional
variations have become greater rather than less. If managers
aren’t allowed to work until they get CRB checks do you have
children unsupervised?”

The NCSC says the confusion has arisen because children’s
home providers can transfer their accreditation across to the new
register, but all home managers are required to go through the
registration process.