Today the Government published its response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse report. Whilst we welcome the redress scheme, further action must be taken to protect those still at risk.
Phillip Anderson, Strategic Director for External Affairs at NCB, said:
'The victims and survivors of child sexual abuse have been waiting years for this moment as the Government sets out its proposals for supporting those who have been abused as children and for safeguarding future generations.
'Child sexual abuse can have wide-ranging and long-term impacts on the psychological and physical well-being of victims and survivors, so we welcome the announcement of a redress scheme to provide much-needed financial support. But financial redress alone is not enough, victims and survivors also need guaranteed access to therapeutic support.
'The government must go further to protect those children who are still at risk of being abused now. The chronic underfunding of children’s social care means that incidents of abuse – and opportunities to prevent them – are being missed, simply because the system doesn’t have the resources or the workforce it needs. The failure to appoint the recommended cabinet minister for children is a missed opportunity to put this kind of case for investment at the top-table and ensure child protection is embedded across Government.
'Finally, the launch of the call for evidence on mandatory reporting provides an opportunity to explore what this proposal could look like in practice. It is essential that we listen to both the voices of children and young people, and the professionals who support them, to ensure that we avoid unintended consequences and ensure any new system genuinely leads to more accurate and timely reporting of concerns.'