NSPCC responds to government announcement on serious case reviews

The NSPCC is urging the Government to consult widely before they start publishing serious case reviews in full.

Following children's minister Tim Loughton's announcement today that serious case reviews should be published in full - except where it would affect the welfare of any surviving children and their siblings - NSPCC chief executive Andrew Flanagan said:

"We must learn the lessons from serious case reviews. But public bodies need to exercise great care before they publish details of children's lives. The best interests of the children and their families must always come first.

"There clearly has to be more accountability within the child protection system. The government should now talk with experts, abused children and their families on how this is best achieved."

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Notes to editors
The announcement on serious case reviews applies to England only.