Briefing: Crib Sheet - Access to information

So, at last the Children Bill is law. Yes, and now we can enjoy arguing over the detail of various sections, in particular the new duty on children's services authorities (education and social services, as well as other local authority services that affect children and young people) and their local partners (health, police and probation, youth offending teams, and Connexions) to "establish and operate databases to share information". Designated service providers from early years, education, Connexions, health, social services, police and probation, prisons and youth offending teams will have access to this Information Sharing and Assessment (ISA)database.

What information exactly? Basic identifying information on every child under the age of 18 and any services they are receiving, complete with contact details for the professional involved. Professionals may also record a "cause for concern". The Department for Education and Skills has issued a consultation paper focusing on these two areas, since there is some uncertainty over the handling of information about contact with sensitive services, and the circumstances under which a practitioner would record their concern.