New child abuse review system to help learn lessons

Child protection reviews in Wales could be carried out more quickly under new arrangements which came into force this year.

It follows concern that serious case reviews into child abuse and neglect were taking too long.

From this month, child practice reviews will be completed in up to six months.

Deputy children's minister Gwenda Thomas said the changes would allow agencies to be "open, honest and transparent" when things go wrong.

Welsh government officials say the changes will help authorities learn lessons from abuse and neglect cases, but it is hoped one of the consequences will be a quicker system.

Depending on the circumstance of the child involved, "concise" or "extended" reviews will be conducted.

Guidance has been issued to the agencies involved and staff have been trained to make sure they are aware of the new system.

Mrs Thomas said: "I am very pleased that in Wales we have developed the innovative child practice review framework to improve the culture of learning from child protection cases."