Written question asked by Hilton Dawson (Labour) on Monday, 28 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 April 2005. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 April 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what action he is taking to address the issues raised by Operation Paladin Child.

Answer: Mr. Dawson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to address the issues raised by Operation Paladin Child. [224342] Mr. Browne: [holding answer 5 April 2005]: Since publication of the report we have made significant progress. In particular the Immigration and Nationality Directorate's (IND) Children's Taskforce is tackling a number of the recommendations. These include: The provision of guidance to staff on identifying and dealing with children in need. Developing processes for working with other agencies on child protection issues The provision of specialist training for IND staff Identifying ways to improve information received from abroad Child Protection Officers are now based at Heathrow airport and both Child Protection Officers and Social Service staff are based at the Croydon Asylum Screening Unit to ensure a more joined up approach. The UK Immigration Service with the Department for Transport (DfT) is also setting up a voluntary code of practice to be followed by airlines when carrying children who are either unaccompanied or travelling with an adult who is not a family member.

Secondary information