The Munro Review of Child Protection

Book excerpt: On 10 June 2010, ministers announced the launch of a review of child protection, headed by Professor Eileen Munro. This is the first part of that review which sets out Professor Munro's approach and the features of the child protection system that need exploring in detail and that form the focus of subsequent stages of the review. The first aim is to understand why previous well-intentioned reforms have not resulted in the expected level of improvements. Moreover, there is a substantial body of evidence indicating that past reforms are creating new, unforeseen complications. This phase of the review looks at how we can refocus on the child's journey from needing to receiving the right help. In recent history, the child protection system has focused on imposing and meeting managerial targets and regulations, and in doing so has forgotten that the needs of children should be at its core. A dominant theme in the criticisms of current practice is the skew in priorities that has developed between the demands of the management and inspection processes and professionals' ability to exercise their professional judgment and act in the best interests of the child. The review has also made use of evidence that had previously been submitted to Lord Laming's 2009 progress report (HC 330, 2008-09, isbn 9780102958928). The observations made were grouped into three main categories: early intervention, frontline practice and transparency and accountability. Professor Munro notes 'there is much good practice and research for us to build on in our efforts to better protect children and young people.'