§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what co-operation has taken place between his Department and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in dealing with cases involving child sex abuse and in helping parents found guilty of committing such offences to reintegrate into family life.
§ Mr. John PattenWe are currently reviewing the procedural guidance we have issued to authorities and 495W agencies on child abuse. Existing guidance—which was last reviewed in 1980 — does not specifically address child sexual abuse. As the current review goes forward we shall be consulting the NSPCC and other statutory and voluntary agencies who have developed expertise in the handling of cases of child sexual abuse. These discussions will take place in 1985.