§ 1. Mr. Sternasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to seek to introduce for parents a right of appeal against their children's names being registered as at risk; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister for Health (Mr. Tony Newton)No, Sir. The decision to place a child's name on a register is an administrative procedure which does not involve a change in the legal status of the child, and therefore a right of appeal is not appropriate. Good professional practice should, however, entail keeping parents informed and involved.
§ Mr. SternI thank my hon. Friend for that reply Does he agree that the placing of a child on the "at risk" register inevitably becomes known and puts its parents in an invidious position if the placing on the register has been inaccurate or based on false information? Will he consider issuing guidelines to social services departments to ensure that parents are adequately involved at the earliest possible stage and have an adequate chance to get their child's name removed?
§ Mr. NewtonI certainly accept that this is an area where great care is needed, and I shall consider my hon. Friend's suggestion. However, I hope he will agree that we should take proper steps to ensure the protection of children who may be at risk. The balance is a difficult one.
§ Mr. BaldryAt a time when there is growing concern about the number of children in danger, does not the "at risk" register provide a straightforward and simple way of ensuring some protection for children who might be in danger? Would not increasing the bureaucracy defeat the system, which is working well?
§ Mr. NewtonMy hon. Friend has confirmed some of the reservations that I express. There is a difficult balance here, and I note the point made by my hon. Friend.