1945 – The first child abuse inquiry
An inquest was conducted into Dennis O'Neill's death in England in 1945, when his foster father killed him at the age of 12.
1948 – Children Act
A new set of support measures for UK children were introduced by the Children Act 1948. Local authorities were required to provide care for children whose parents were incapable of doing so, if it was in the child's best interest.
1968 - Seebohm Report
The report highlights deficiencies in 'Personal social services', including social work. One unified Department of Social Services would replace the divided division of personal social services. Furthermore, different professionals within the welfare state should work together more effectively.
1970 - Social Services
…show more content…
The law also clarified the role of an independent social worker who would represent the child's best interests in court.
1984 - child protection services underwent a significant transformation.
After being returned home from foster care, Jasmine Beckford, 4, was killed by her stepfather, which led to changes in child protection legislation.
1988 - First publication of the Working Together guidance in 1988
‘In its first edition, Working Together compiled guidance and recommendations on how abused children and children at risk should be cared for and protected. Working together: a guide to arrangements for inter-agency co-operation for the protection of children from abuse (DHSS and Welsh Office, 1988)1 also introduced serious case reviews (SCRs), referred to at the time as case reviews, for the first time.’ (NSPCC, 2022)
SCRs were intended to provide learning following a child's death or serious injury from abuse or neglect. They were also intended to ensure that lessons were learned and that similar incidents could be prevented in the future. This was a major step forward in the protection of vulnerable children.
1989 – Children Act for England and
…show more content…
In order to protect children from adults who pose a risk to them, legislation was strengthened across the UK, including the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 in England.
2004 – Children Act, UNCRC
As a result of Lord Laming's report, the Children Act 2004 established a Children's Commissioner in England (the last nation in the UK to do so); created Local Safeguarding Children's Boards (LSCBs) in England and Wales; and required local authorities in England to appoint a director of children's services and a lead member who is ultimately responsible for delivering children's services. (NSPCC, 2022)
2006 – Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act and GIRFEC
Following the 2002 inquiry into the deaths of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 was passed in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
Working together to safeguard children (PDF), the statutory guidance for child protection in England, was first published (Department for Education (DfE), 2010).9
2008 –The case of Peter Connelly (Baby P)
Lord Laming reviewed social service care in England as a result of the death of Peter Connelly (Baby P) after he had been abused and neglected by his mother, her boyfriend, and his boyfriend's elder