§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects his special inspectors to complete their investigation of Cambridgeshire social services and the case of Rikki Neave; and if he will make a statement. [4197]
§ Mr. BurnsWe take very seriously the evidence of management failings and poor practice by Cambridgeshire social services department which have come to light in the Rikki Neave case. I have therefore asked the social services inspectorate to conduct an inspection of child protection services in Cambridgeshire next spring, following completion of the independent audit of child protection practice already commissioned by Cambridgeshire. Inspections are normally completed within three weeks of their start date, and I shall take a keen interest in the team's findings.
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§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to issue interim guidance to social services departments to prevent a repetition of cases similar to that involving Rikki Neave; and if he will make a statement. [4198]
§ Mr. BurnsThe Children Act 1989 provides a clear statutory framework within which local authorities must work to protect children from abuse. Section 31 sets out the circumstances in which authorities may apply for care orders or supervision orders if they are satisfied that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm. "Working Together Under The Children Act 1989", the Government's guide to inter-agency co-operation for the protection of children from abuse, provides clear and detailed guidance on the handling of cases of child abuse. It emphasises the importance for all agencies of taking decisive action when this is clearly indicated to protect children at risk of significant harm. We see no need to supplement "Working Together" with interim guidance at this stage.