PLACING CHILDREN ON CHILD PROTECTION REGISTERS - RISK INDICATORS AND LOCAL-AUTHORITY DIFFERENCES

Wide variation in rates of children on protection registers in differe nt authorities has led to doubts about the reliability of local decisi on making. A study of 1,752 referrals, for suspected abuse or neglect in eight English local authorities, found that indicators of child and family vulnerability were more important than local area in explainin g selection for initial child protection conference and placement on r egisters. There appeared to be agreement on 'common-sense' risk indica tors but stronger measurements of risk would enable child protection p rocedures to be better targeted.