Laming report lifts public confidence

Public confidence in child protection workers has increased since
Lord Laming’s report into the death of Victoria Climbie.

Two surveys carried out by children’s charity NSPCC before and
after the report was published found public confidence in the
ability of professionals to protect children had increased by 15
per cent.

Only 40 per cent of the 1,000 polled in January were supportive of
child care workers. By February, this had risen to 55 per cent, 11
per cent of whom had a “great deal” of confidence in them.

Jennifer Bernard, director of services for children and young
people at the NSPCC, said the finding could suggest that the public
saw the inquiry as a turning point.

“We and the government need to keep up this momentum and make sure
that the Laming inquiry really does make a difference – that child
protection continues to be a critical national priority.”