New force to safeguard our children

12.00.00am GMT Mon 4th Dec 2006

PARTNERSHIP is the key to success in the fight against child abuse was the message from the launch of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB).

Child rights campaigner Camila Batmanghelidjh, of charity Kids Company, told of her battle to protect children at the launch on Tuesday (21Nov) of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) for Milton Keynes, a statutory body set up following several high profile national cases of child abuse and neglect.

Mrs Batmanghelidjh, recognised as Woman of the Year 2006 for her work protecting children in inner city London, welcomed the formation of the Board which will raise and monitor standards for the safety and protection of children.

The event, chaired by Milton Keynes Council's designated Director Of Children's Services, Vanessa Gwynn, is a local authority led partnership involving the police, probation service, local prisons, Primary Care Trust, hospitals and voluntary sector such as NSPCC.

Carolyn Boyd, group director with the council and chair of the LSCB , explained : "The Board brings together in partnership those organisations with responsibility for children's care and welfare.

"It has recognised that child protection cannot be achieved in isolation. The Board will help monitor and enforce good practice when it comes to protecting vulnerable children in our community."

Cllr Sandra Clark, cabinet member responsible for children's services, said: "The launch of Milton Keynes own Safeguarding Children Board is the most public statement of our commitment to have the strongest possible inter-agency support arrangements to protect our most disadvantaged children."

Children's charity NSPCC featured their work with local schools aimed at encouraging organisations to involve children in the recruitment of staff who work with children, at the event held during Milton Keynes NSPCC Inter-Agency Training Project's annual conference.

Charlie Reston, NSPCC Children's Services Manager, said: "The involvement of children and young people in the recruitment of staff is fundamental in developing communication between organisations and local children.

"It also helps to create child focused, culturally sensitive and accessible services that take into account the views and perceptions of the children and young people that have been consulted. "

LSCB was formed to replace the non-statutory ACPC as part of changes introduced in April 2006 under the Children Act (2004).