§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he takes to ensure that alleged cases of institutional child abuse are thoroughly investigated. [125750]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeAlthough the conduct of criminal investigations is a matter for the chief officer of police, the police have a duty and responsibility to investigate all criminal offences. Investigations into allegations of criminal offences against children in particular, should be carried out sensitively, thoroughly and professionally.
The Home Office has worked with the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Employment to publish guidance—"Working Together to Safeguard Children"—which sets out how all agencies and professionals should work together to promote children's welfare and to protect them from abuse and neglect.
In addition, following the North Wales Child Abuse Report (the Waterhouse Report) "Lost in Care", the Government agreed there was a need for an inter-agency review of best practice in conducting complex abuse investigations and that a Review Group would be established to take forward this work, bringing together representatives from the Home Office, Department of Health, Local Government Association, Association of Directors of Social Services and the Association of Chief Police Officers.