Written question asked by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Thursday, 24 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 November 2002. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 4 November 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many serious case reviews were carried out by each area child protection committee in each of the last five years. - Includes ref to 'Learning from Past Experience - A Review of Serious Case Reviews'.

Answer: Dr. Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many serious case reviews were carried out by each area child protection committee in each of the last five years. [78023] Jacqui Smith: Complete statistical information is not held centrally on the numbers or types of serious case reviews that have been carried out in accordance with Chapter 8 of "Working Together to Safeguard Children (1999)". However, many findings from serious case reviews can serve as an important source of information to inform policy and practice at both national and local levels. In recognition of this, the Department is responsible for identifying and disseminating common themes and trends across review reports, and acting on lessons for policy and practice. We recently published an overview report, "Learning from Past Experience--A Review of Serious Case Reviews", drawing out the key findings of a selection of case reviews from the last two years, and their implications for policy and practice. At the same time, we have recently launched a new comprehensive database, which will in future hold information about all serious case reviews.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 78023; 392 c119W;392 c123W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Children Protection Offences against children Reviews Child protection committees
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk