![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
Not that long ago the UK introduced spot checks on children's services, following the baby P case. Unannounced spot checks are critical to uncovering abuse in my mind. It is far too easy to window dress for planned or announced inspections. And if there is one thing child abusers and negligent professionals are masters in it is window dressing and presenting a credible facade. I do have reservations about the way the spot checks were set up - too much dependence on inside professionals and not enough input from people who know the sort of devious tricks abusers use, but nevertheless a step forward.
It comes as a real shock therefore to hear on the radio this morning that there are calls for the spot checks to be dropped. A bit of digging about on the BBC site reveals the calls are from the Association of Children's Services directors. They claim the inspectors aren't sufficiently qualified and don't talk enough to front line staff. Tosh. They don't like the fact that of the nine council services spot checked so far six were found to have cause for serious concerns. The association directors say some of them were 'only paperwork'. That paperwork is important - it is sometimes the only way hand overs can be done when staff turns over -and turnover rates are very high in this area. It is also crucial should a case have to be taken through the courts. But none of that is important as long as the image and professional standing of the directors of child services is upheld it seems.
See, Jersey leads the way.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8155081.st
