To date, area child protection committees have been responsible for developing and disseminating policies and procedures for safeguarding children. This new regional board will support a more integrated approach, providing an independent challenge function.
Celine McStravick, director of NCB NI, said: "Agencies must work together to protect children and this new legislation will outline a duty to co-operate to enable effective delivery of outcomes. However, it is important that the voice of the child is heard too."
Senior officials consulted key child protection reports published in England while developing the policy and legislation. The board will now have a statutory duty to make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in Northern Ireland. Membership of the SBNI will compose of senior staff from a range of bodies.
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