The Government have today published our formal response to the consultation on proposals to establish a Child Protection Authority in England. This marks an important step in strengthening how we as a country protect our children.
The child protection system
Keeping children safe underpins this Government’s ambitions for opportunity, stronger communities and improved life chances. That means the way we work, and those who work within it, must be clear in their purpose, confident in their practice and effective in what they achieve.
Yet evidence from reviews, inquiries and frontline experience shows that this is not always the case. Too often, opportunities to prevent harm are missed; and too often, when concerns are raised, action does not follow quickly or effectively enough. As a result, there remains a gap between what we know works and what is consistently put into practice.
Many dedicated people work tirelessly to protect children every day. Yet gaps remain between what we know works and what happens in practice. These gaps can leave children and young people without the protection or support that they need, when they need it most.
What we heard
We consulted on the creation of a CPA following a key recommendation from the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse. We received responses from practitioners, organisations, experts, and victims and survivors. Their insights have been central in shaping our approach.
A clear message came through: there is strong support for a national body that can bring greater clarity and direction, join up learning and turn it into action and help ensure that good practice is applied consistently.
At the same time, respondents were clear that any new body must make a positive difference to frontline work. It should build on what already works well, avoid duplication, and stay closely connected to the real experiences of children, families and professionals.
Many respondents, particularly victims and survivors, spoke powerfully about missed opportunities to act and the lasting impact this can have. Their voices underline the importance of not only learning from harm, but acting on that learning. Addressing this requires a stronger and more coherent approach at national level, alongside practical support for those working directly with children and families.
The Child Protection Authority
The CPA will provide national leadership to improve how child protection works in practice. It will bring together data, evidence, professional expertise and lived experience to spot risks earlier, support better decision making and help agencies work together more effectively.