Child database delayed after security fears

The delay follows HM Revenue & Customs losing computer discs containing personal information about 25 million people and is billed by ministers as allowing the government time to reassess the security of the ContactPoint database.

Junior children’s minister Kevin Brennan said the introduction of ContactPoint will be put back until the first half of 2009 for most local authorities.

However several early adopter authorities will start using the system from September or October 2008.

Brennan also confirmed that consultants Deloitte have been commissioned by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) to examine how robust ContactPoint’s security arrangements are.

The DCSF also revealed that local authorities will get £40m during 2008/09 to support the introduction of ContactPoint.

The money will help councils develop the technology and ensure their existing databases will work with the national system, which is being developed by consultants CapGemini.

In addition the government plans to stump up £27m in 2009/10 and £15m in 2010/11 to support the implementation of the ContactPoint system.

The database aims to improve information sharing between agencies that work with children and young people.

ContactPoint will hold data about every child’s school, age, gender, GP, parents as well as information about what services and professionals are in contact with the child.