Government’s response to a consultation on a new system of joint multi-agency reviews, to assess more effectively how local agencies are working in a co-ordinated manner to protect children and young people, has been published. There was no strong opposition to any of the proposals, which relate to the dissemination of review findings and responses and additional powers for inspectorates. The government is therefore proceeding with the proposals set out in the consultation, subject to one exception. This relates to arrangements for the distribution of the report following a review. The consultation proposed removing the requirement for this to be sent to a local radio station and a newspaper, and the majority of respondents agreed to this. However, the new regulations retain this requirement, on the grounds that it is consistent with the government’s transparency agenda. The Children Act 2004 (Joint Area Reviews) Regulations 2005 will be revoked and replaced with The Children Act 2004 (Joint Area Reviews) Regulations 2015.
Joint targeted reviews of services to protect children – Government consultation response
