NO - ANDREW COZENS, PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF DIRECTORS OF SOCIAL SERVICES
We urged that there should be no new duty on social services to run a register of adults about whom child protection allegations are made. We felt guidance in Working Together was clear and should be strengthened.
There should routinely be discussion with the police on all allegations and then the joint exercise of discretion on follow-up action. We felt clearer guidance was needed on a framework for action and commended Sheffield ACPC's protocol to the inquiry.
NO - CHRIS ATKINSON, POLICY ADVISOR, NSPCC
The evidence to the Bichard inquiry clearly indicates the lack of clarity concerning referrals to the police from social services, despite the possibility of underage sex. National guidance to inform the decision whether or not to notify the police should bring greater clarity for social workers when exercising professional judgement where child protection is concerned.
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