MP Paul Clark has today written to council chiefs to seek assurances that a ‘Baby P’ style child cruelty case could not happen in Medway.
The Gillingham and Rainham MP said he had been flooded with calls from constituents urging him to check the effectiveness of Medway’s children’s services department.
The calls come in response to the horrific death of ‘Baby P’, a 17-month-old boy who died in August 2007 after sustaining sustained abuse.
In a letter to Medway council’s children’s services director Mr Clark asked what measures Medway council has in place to ensure that a child placed on the Child Protection Register receives the amount of protection and support required under Government legislation.
The MP also asked about the measures in place to guarantee that concerns raised by social workers can be brought to the attention of senior management.
Mr Clark said: “I do not want to imply criticism of Medway council children’s services. However, my office has been flooded with calls and emails asking for an assurance that an horrific case like ‘Baby P’ will not happen here.
“It’s the responsibility of a good MP to make sure a local authority is held to account, and that’s what I’m doing.”
In the fallout of the ‘Baby P’ case the government has announced that Lord Laming will chair a nationwide inquiry into child protection services.
Mr Clark added: “Lord Laming’s inquiry will indicate to Council’s across the country what lessons can be learned from this terrible tragedy.
“I have asked for written confirmation from Medway council that they will co-operate fully with Lord Laming’s inquiry.
“I have also indicated to the director of children’s services that I would be happy to meet with her to discuss this matter and clarify the safeguards that they have in place to protect vulnerable children.”
POSTED: 21/11/2008 15:44:26
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