§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children were placed on social work department at risk registers in each of the past five years; and if he will provide a breakdown of the figures by local authorities.
§ Mr. WhitneyI refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Dorset, North (Mr. Baker) on 12 November at column158.
§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidelines he issues concerning the detection of non-accidental injuries and the protection of children at risk of such injuries.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe Department has issued a number of guidance circulars on child abuse to local authorities, health authorities and other agencies concerned with children and their families. This guidance, which is aimed338W at promoting a co-ordinated professional approach to the problem, is currently being thoroughly revised and we intend to issue a consultative paper early next year.
§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what training is included in his Department's certificate of qualification in social work courses regarding the detection of non-accidental injuries and the safeguarding of children at risk of such injuries;
(2) what training residential social workers receive in the identification of non-accidental injuries and the protection of children at risk of such injuries.
§ Mr. WhitneyI shall let the hon. Member have replies as soon as possible.
§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what training student doctors undertake during their medical studies in the detection and treatment of non-accidental injuries and the treatment of children at risk of such injuries.
§ Mr. HayhoeUnder the Medical Act 1983, responsibility for the medical undergraduate curriculum is with universities within the framework laid down by the General Medical Council. I understand that the current GMC recommendations on medical education stress the importance of wide clinical experience for medical students including child health and paediatrics.
§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what in-service training courses are provided for general practitioners regarding the detection of non-accidental injuries and the treatment of children at risk of such injuries.
§ Mr. HayhoeThere is a wide range of courses under section 63 of the Health Service and Public Health Act 1968 dealing specifically with child abuse and the wider aspects of family care. Also multidisciplinary courses are provided by public and voluntary agencies which general practitioners can attend.