CONCERN AS KEY CHILD PROTECTION INDICATOR FALLS FOR SIXTH MONTH IN A ROW

9.6.03

Liberal Democrats have expressed concern that a key Social Services child protection indicator has shown a drop in performance for the sixth month in a row. Performance figures for Haringey's child protection services to be tabled at the council's Executive also show an increase in the number of looked after children to 507 - a steady upward trend.

Lib Dem Social Services Spokesperson, Ron Aitken is concerned that following the damning report by Lord Laming earlier this year, lessons have still not been learned. He has called on the Labour Executive member to act quickly to resolve this situation.

Cllr Aitken (Crouch End) comments:

"The drop in the number of six-weekly visits to children on the child protection register to 83.9% is the sixth month in a row that this has fallen, despite extra spending on children's services. Combined with a steady increase in the number of children being taken into care this is a worrying trend.

"Over the last few months we have heard a number of excuses as to why this trend has continued. It is now time for the excuses to stop. The Labour Lead Member needs to explain why this situation has arisen and take steps to ensure these vital visits take place."

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