RCN calls for an end to the child protection postcode lottery
Published: 29 October 2008
RCN calls for an end to the child protection postcode lottery
In response to the Audit Commission's Report: Every Child Matters – Are We There Yet?, Janet Davies, Executive Director of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:
“This report shows that five years after the death of Victoria Climbie in 2003, there has been insufficient investment in the training and development of nurses and other professionals to safeguarding children and young people. This has created a protection postcode lottery where safeguarding services vary significantly across the country.
“Whilst the report does highlight some areas of good practice to meet the aims of Every Child Matters, the focus has been on tweaking the process rather than protecting the child for far too long.
“Five years on, the system is not in place to prevent a similar tragedy, and Government, Trusts and local authorities must show greater leadership, and provide greater investment in training and access to Designated and Named Professionals. This would equip every part of the country with an adequate safeguarding and child protection service.”
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Notes to editors
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Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.