Child abuse and neglect are clearly abhorrent, and have devastating and wide ranging effects. It is essential that all children can grow up in a safe environment and reach their full potential. Statutory guidance is already crystal clear that professionals should immediately inform the relevant authorities if they are concerned about a child.
The Government will be seeking people's views on some proposed changes to help combat these issues. This consultation will include a proposed requirement for mandatory reporting, and also extending the new wilful neglect offence to social workers, those in education and elected officials.
There is a range of research regarding mandatory reporting, including its impact in the United States, Canada and Australia. Given the various reporting models and different child protection systems, there are inherent difficulties in comparing laws internationally. The research is not clear on whether introducing mandatory reporting results in children being better protected, or whether in fact it makes children less safe by increasing the number of unsubstantiated referrals, diverting resources from helping children most in need and causing considerable distress to others. The consultation will seek opinions on these points, to help the Government decide a course of action.
This is a sensitive area, but be assured that the Government takes this very seriously and is committed to protecting children from harm.