Child Protection Services

HC Deb 20 March 1989 vol 149 cc490-1W

Mr. Anthony Coombs

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to publish the report by the social services inspectorate on child protection services in the London borough of Southwark; and if he will mike a statement.

Mr. Mellor

In response to concern about the handling of child protection cases in Southwark, the Department's social services inspectorate has examined the child protection services and reported its findings to me. Copies of the report are now available in the Library.

The inspection revealed a number of features which require attention. The number of children registered is distorted by the present cumbersome registration system, but even if efficient registration systems were operated there would still be a large number of children on the register.

It is always unacceptable for child protection cases to be without social work intervention when they have been assessed as needing it, and the number of such cases in Southwark is disturbingly high.

However, on the brighter side, action taken in one area of the borough has been effective in reducing the number of unallocated cases, and this action must be repeated elsewhere if this authority is to deserve public confidence in a crucial area of its operations.

Overall, there was considerable activity on child protection cases but the quality of the social work done needs to be improved to enable sound judgments to be made on cases.

It is clear that determined management action is needed on a number of fronts to ensure that the position improves. In view of this I am asking SSI to agree a plan of action with Southwark Council and to monitor progress closely.

Southwark council has asked Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham area review committee to establish an independent inquiry into the handling of the case of Doreen Mason. That inquiry is being chaired by an independent lawyer. I understand that the inquiry should be completed by the early summer and that the outcome will be made public. I will then determine whether further action is needed on my part.