§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what assessment has been made of(a) disabled children's experience of abuse and (b) the effectiveness of existing systems in protecting disabled children; [150130]
(2) if he will develop a national strategy for the safeguarding of disabled children through consultation with disabled children and adults and organisations advocating on their behalf. [150131]
§ Margaret HodgeThe Department for Education and Skills regularly receives correspondence from parents and voluntary groups about issues affecting disabled children including child protection. This has included reports from the NSPCC, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and the National Working Group on Child Protection and Disability, which have influenced policy development. In particular, recent representations from the NSPCC were taken into account by the Disabled 403W Children's External Working Group developing standards as part of the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services which will be published later this year. We welcome the publication of the recent report from the National Working Group, "It doesn't happen to disabled children: child protection and disabled children", and will consider its recommendations when developing Government policy and guidance on child protection.
The Joint Chief Inspectors' Report "Safeguarding Children", published in October 2002, contained a recommendation that all relevant Inspectorates should ensure that, prior to the next report, appropriate inspection activity had been undertaken on children with disabilities. "Safeguarding Children" asked Chief Inspectors to consider whether there was a need to supplement the planned programme of inspections in any way. In planning for the next children's safeguards review, the Inspectorates have identified that additional activity is required in relation to children with disabilities and special needs and are developing plans to enhance their programmes in this area.