Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) evidence submission to the Public Bill Committee, Crime and Policing Bill

Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

Abstract

Summary
• This evidence submission from RCPCH relates to Part 5, Chapter 2 (Duty to Report
Child Sexual Abuse).
• The goal of any child protection policy is to ensure that children are protected from
harm. An evidence review by the RCPCH has shown that mandatory reporting of
child abuse increases the instances of reported abuse; however, there is limited
evidence to show that an increase in reports leads to an increase in protection of, or
better outcomes for, children.
• Outcomes for children depend, at least in part, on the capacity of the system into
which reports are made. It is essential that the Government ensures that systems are
in place to be sure that every single case of reported abuse will be investigated and
acted upon, and that potential unintended consequences of mandatory reporting do
not occur.
• The RCPCH (“the College”) has concerns with the measures set out in Part 5,
Chapter 2 on mandatory reporting and whether these measures are best for children
in England and Wales.
• The College is asking the government and members of the bill committee to consider
five key points before agreeing to these measures:
1. All types of child abuse must fall under any mandatory reporting duty.
2. A children’s rights-based approach must be followed, and a children’s
rights impact assessment must be carried out.
3. A government systems impact assessment must be carried out.
4. Measurable outcomes for children must be built into any plans.
5. Clearer definitions must be provided before further consultation.
• The College cannot recommend a blanket introduction of mandatory reporting, as
this Bill would allow for, until these recommendations are addressed.
• Instead, the College believes strengthening measures can be applied to existing
mechanisms, such as better use of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) system,
increased registration (by regulators) of professionals, standardisation and
strengthening of the LADO system, and an alignment of standards across the UK
regulators in relation to mandatory reporting.

• Report Type: Policy Document
• Online Publication Date: Apr 9, 2025
• Publication Date: Apr 9, 2025
• Deposit Date: Apr 9, 2025
• Publisher URL: https://bills.parliament.uk/Publications/60235/Documents/6337