CYP Now - Letters to the Editor: CRB checks are not enough

I agree with Action for Children that children can only be 100 per cent safe when those in regular contact with them are checked. However, Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks alone aren't enough and must remain in place with additional measures used to prevent people falling through the net and abuse occurring.

On top of the CRB checks, organisations need to ensure they have an effective, safe recruitment system in place. There needs to be a review of references to obtain all the facts about potential employees' past records, any possible issues and clarification of why they left, or are leaving, their last job.

It is vital that once jobs have been offered, settings provide training and personal development to spot gaps and inconsistencies that can be immediately addressed. Carers must then work in a culture where there is an established whistleblowing policy to support raising concerns and bringing them to the attention of management, or higher if necessary, where they can then be fully investigated.

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