The At Risk Register was not introduced until 1975 which was prompted by a public inquiry in 1974 into the death of Maria Colwell.
When child protection has failed in some way - normally the tragic death of a child who was on the "At Risk Register" - the government commission research reviews or public enquiries which make practical recommendations. This then usually results in the laws or policies being changed or updated , which is why the dates of them are so similar to the tragedies.
The most significant reports have been:
The Laming Report ( reports are named after the people that have carried them out)
This was prompted by the Victoria Climbie case in 2002 - shocking becuase a lot of services and professionals knew about her and how at risk she was - in fact Lord laming found 12 seperate occasions where she could have been safeguarded.
The Bichard Report
This was in 2005 after ian Huntley had been employed at a school which led to the Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman murders in soham. Ian huntley was known to police for have a series of sexual relationships with underage girls, but these were not linked together to show an individual who was a risk, and due to data protection - was not passed onto authorities. This report led to changes in the vetting laws.
Current laws and policies:
The Children Act 2004, Every child Matters framework 2004 and Working together to safegaurd children, 2006.
The Child Protection Process
Concern about a child
Initial Inquiries and Strategy meeting
Investigation and Assessment
Child Protection Conference - Form a core group and key worker
Meeting of core group and develop a child protection plan
Child protection reviews to see if child needs to remain on the regsiter
