Local Safeguarding Children Boards are not demonstrating their impact on children's lives

The joint inspection report published today by five inspectorates (Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, Estyn, Her Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation) found that LSCBs lack focus on improving outcomes for children and are not fulfilling their statutory responsibilities. Consequently, LSCBs are unable to demonstrate the impact of their work on improving the lives of children.

Speaking on behalf of the five inspectorates, Imelda Richardson, Chief Inspector CSSIW said:

The inspection identified key factors which impacted on the effectiveness of LSCBs: leadership should be more effective; they need to develop strategic direction and there is limited evidence as to how they are engaging with children, young people, parents, carers and wider communities. The report outlines a number of areas to develop effective multi-agency working that will improve safeguarding for children and young people in Wales.

LSCBs were established in 2006 under the Children Act 2004 and have a lead role in safeguarding and protecting children and young people. Board membership includes local authority social services education services, local health boards, NHS trusts, police services, probation services and youth offending teams.