Rearing a toothless tiger? From area child protection committee to local safeguarding children board

Abstract

This article uses a model describing different levels of collaboration to chart the development of area child protection committees (ACPCs) and their successors, local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs). It argues that concerns about these partnerships lacking ‘teeth’ have resulted in a broadening of remit and increased regulation and statutory guidance. Using criteria from the literature for effective multidisciplinary strategic partnerships, consideration is given to specific issues that members of LSCBs encounter that limit their powers and influence. The final section of the article questions whether national regulation and guidance is sufficient to give LSCBs ‘teeth’ and ensure effective local collaborative activity. The author concludes that the strength and influence of the LSCB is as dependent on the quality of leadership provided by the members of the LSCB as it is on regulation and guidance.

Citation

Horwath, J. (2010), "Rearing a toothless tiger? From area child protection committee to local safeguarding children board", Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 37-47. https://doi.org/10.5042/jcs.2010.0549