Neglect of children in councilcare exposed in England

BMJ 1998;317:230 ( 25 July )

News

Neglect of children in councilcare exposed in England

John Warden, parliamentary correspondent, BMJ

Widespread neglect of children in the care of local authorities in England has been exposed by the House of Commons health committee. Beyond the question of abuse, the care system is failing such children in terms of their education, health, and aftercare.

The neglect starts at the top, with the Department of Health for years disregarding its statutory duty to submit an annual report to parliament on the working of the Children Act. The committee is "very disturbed" by that, saying it does not inspire confidence in the department's ability to monitor and enforce local compliance with statutory provisions.

About 51000 children are looked after by local authorities, mostly with foster carers and a minority in residential homes. Despite an array of statutory requirements, health outcomes for children in care are poor. The department is ordered to report back with proposals for ensuring that appropriate health education is provided to young people in the care system.

In its report, the committee states that greater sensitivity needs to be shown towards the children by healthcare professionals who treat them. Arrangements for psychiatric and other specialist services to children in care are grossly inadequate. It is a disgrace, the report says, that children should have to wait up to two years before even being assessed for treatment.

It repeats a recommendation by a select committee 14 years ago that a named medical adviser should be responsible for the oversight of the physical and mental health of each child in care. Each home should have a named nurse, or homes should be required to have a formal link with the local primary care team.

Children Looked After by Local Authorities is published by the Stationery Office, price £12.50.
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