§ 20. Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to enable parents who have been accused of sexual abuse of children to have a second opinion provided from authorities outside their own local authority.
§ Mr. NewtonParents can present their own evidence and expert medical opinion before the Court either in care proceedings or wardship and if they are prosecuted for alleged sexual abuse. The local authority's duty is to investigate and if need be apply for a place of safety order to protect the child. After assessment they may institute care proceedings. The assessment is multi-disciplinary with a substantial medical component for which the local authorities look to the health authorities who could arrange for a second opinion if this is thought appropriate. The Northern regional health authority has this week set up a pilot scheme under which cases of suspected child sexual abuse are discussed with consultants drawn from a special regional reference group.
§ 30. Mrs. Virginia Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to combat child abuse.
§ Mr. NewtonWe have under way a considerable programme of work designed to provide help and advice to social services departments, health authorities and other agencies with a role to play in combating child abuse. In particular, a new guide and circular on interagency working is being prepared, following the circulation of drafts last year. We have embarked on a special initiative to help training of staff, especially but not only on child sexual abuse. The first stage of this was announced in October 1986, the second in April 1987; and further projects are possible. We are also developing practice guidance for social workers and health visitors. All of this is additional to our continuing programme of research and development projects and assistance to voluntary organisations working in this field.
Social services provision for this work is decided by local authorities themselves who are responsible for deploying the resources available to them. The 1987–88 rate support grant provision for personal social services was a 12.9 per cent. increase on 1986–87 an included additional provision for children's services and for training.