WIREDGOV

Commenting in response to the publication of the serious case review into the death of Daniel Pelka, Cllr David Simmonds, Chairman of the LGA's Children and Young People Board, said:

"Today's report lays down a challenge to social services, the police, schools, health professionals and the wider community to review, and where necessary improve, the way we identify and deal with the heinous crimes of neglect and abuse.

"The clear message is that everyone has a part to play in keeping children safe. The collective aim must be to create a culture of moral responsibility in which people know how to raise the alarm and feel confident that if they come forward with legitimate concerns those concerns will be dealt with in a swift, proportionate and effective way.

"The proposed change in the law to strengthen the legal responsibility to report suspected abuse may be one element of driving the necessary cultural change. It is vitally important that social services resources are used effectively and we have to be sure that any reform does not have unintended consequences, such as overloading the system with cases where the child is clearly not in danger of abuse or neglect. We must avoid creating a situation where the social care system is swamped with unnecessary referrals because professionals lack the courage or confidence to take responsibility, exercise their judgement and act appropriately."

Author:  LGA Media Office
Contact: LGA Media Office, Telephone: 020 7664 3333