I want to write to Claire Coutinho
Claire Coutinho: The National Minimum Standards (NMS) are clear that allegations should be handled fairly, quickly, and consistently in a way that provides effective protection for the child and at the same time supports the person who is the subject of the allegation. The NMS are clear that fostering service providers should provide foster carers with written guidance that sets out how they will be supported...
Claire Coutinho: ...and (4) mirror amendment 10E from the other place. New subsection (5) will ensure that, in circumstances where speed is essential, a complainant can apply for an injunction where there has been an alleged breach of the free speech duties. I turn to proposed new subsection (2), which builds on amendments 10B, 10C and 10D as voted for by the other place. On 7 December in the other place, my...
Claire Coutinho: ..., Ofsted, Home Office and the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) to review the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), the officer responsible for managing allegations against adults who work with children. Our comprehensive reform programmes to transform children’s social care and the experiences for children and young people with SEND, lay the...
Claire Coutinho: ...is the welfare of the child, with strong checks and balances in the system. Birth parents are supported during the process by having access to legal representation and the opportunity to refute allegations. I very much recognise what she said about birth parents feeling like they sometimes do not have the chance to do those things. It is essential that we support birth parents and adopted...
Claire Coutinho: .... Member for Leeds West (Rachel Reeves) persistently mentioned the ’90s in her opening remarks, but nothing about the period between 1997 and 2009. That, of course, was when we saw a long list of allegations about the Labour party—from Ecclestone, to cash for honours and the moniker of “Tony’s cronies” when it came to public appointments. It is also why, when the hon. Lady put...