§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what cross-departmental initiatives are being proposed to ensure co-ordination of children's services with special reference to child protection services; and if she will make a statement. [40119]
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§ Mr. DenhamIn their consultation document "Building a Strategy for Children and Young People", the Government are seeking views on the establishment of Children and Young People's Strategic Partnerships as a vehicle for coordinating planning activity for children's services. These partnerships would bring together the full breadth of partners and services across the voluntary, community, statutory and business sectors, which impact on the lives of children and young people.
Later this year, the findings from a multi-inspectorate inspection of children's safeguards will be published. The inspection is looking specifically at safeguards for children in eight local authority areas, including the effectiveness of Area Child Protection Committees. The findings from both of these exercises will be of assistance in determining the most effective ways of coordinating services, including services for child protection. Any consideration of the effectiveness of child protection services will need to take into account the findings of the inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie, which is due to report later this year.