Editorial Comment: Professional help needed

Sex abuse scandals have rocked the major churches in recent years.

All are struggling to rebuild public confidence amid accusations that they are still not doing enough to protect children and vulnerable adults.

This week a report recommends 70 steps the Catholic Church needs to take to combat sexual abuse.

Things have got better with the creation of internal protection agencies, improved reporting of allegations to police and more victim support, but standards vary markedly between dioceses.

Good protection demands more than procedures – it requires a paid and trained workforce. The churches should look to social work and not volunteers for the solution.

Only then will the welfare of the child be put first.

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 Mike Broad