The guidance follows concerns that the position has not been givenadequate time or funding for the advice and training role to be carriedout effectively.
However, the Working Together safeguarding guidance, updated for thefirst time since 1999, requires health trusts to ensure theresponsibility is clearly stated in professionals' contracts (ChildrenNow, 12-18 April).
Fiona Smith, children and young people's adviser at the Royal College ofNursing, said the renewed emphasis was crucial. "One of the key thingsin the document from a professional perspective is ensuring staff haveaccess to a named and designated professional to provide them withadvice and support."
Paediatricians' child protection responsibilities are also detailed inthe guidance for the first time.
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