Warning of gaps in child protection

Children affected by domestic violence should come under the
protection of children’s services directors and safeguarding
children boards, says the Local Government Association.

The LGA is warning that none of the structures proposed in the
Children Bill would cover this group, even though domestic violence
is a key indicator of child abuse.

It is also calling for social services risk assessments to include
compulsory questions to identify children affected.

Alison King, chair of the LGA’s children and young people board,
said: “Specific risk assessment questions and procedures must be
put in place to detect children at risk.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Education and Skills insisted
local safeguarding children boards would be expected to address the
needs of children experiencing domestic violence.