Last week, the Department for Education and Skills published itslong-awaited guidance on the controversial topic. The guidance statesthat in cases of sex involving under-13s there should be "a presumption"that children's social care, police and other relevant agencies shouldbe involved. "All cases involving under-13s should be fully documentedincluding detailed reasons where a decision is taken not to shareinformation," it adds.
Anne Weyman, chief executive of the sexual health charity fpa, said: "Wewelcome the fact that the guidance does not advise automatic reportingto the police. Confidentiality is the key factor enabling young peopleto ask for advice about their sexual health."
The fpa also believes the guidance will force the London ChildProtection Committee to change its protocol, which requires cases ofsexually active young people under 13 to be detailed to police.
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