ContactPoint axe threatens vulnerable kids

Published: 19 August, 2010

• KEEPING children safe is one of our key roles as a local authority and we have always worked closely with our partners to protect children through sharing restricted information about those who are most vulnerable.

The government has now scrapped ContactPoint, and simply turned off a system intended to enable staff in Camden and beyond to share this key information efficiently and safely in order to ensure that vulnerable children do not slip through the safety net.

Safeguards about the use of information were built into the system and Camden was well prepared to implement it.

The government has not told us what plans, if any, it has to replace the system and without it, or a similar system, there is a real danger that agencies will not have access to vital information that could help protect children. 

The government has also announced that it intends to make movement between GPs a much easier process, at such a time the scrapping of ContactPoint must surely be seen as a charter for those who wish to hide the abuse of children by moving them between health practitioners.

In Camden we have good partnership working and will continue to co-operate closely with all of those dealing with children, but the government’s decision to scrap ContactPoint has made it more difficult for us to protect those who are most vulnerable. 

Playing fast and loose with the lives of vulnerable children is not acceptable. I urge the government to come forward quickly with plans for a replacement to minimise the risk to the safeguarding of children.
Cllr Heather Johnson
Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families