We have published our joint review of child protection arrangements (JICPA) in Cardiff
The joint inspection took place in January 2024.
Between 15 and 19 January 2024, we worked with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and Education and training inspectorate for Wales (Estyn) to carry out a joint inspection of the multi-agency response to abuse and neglect of children in Cardiff.
The report highlights the persistently high levels of demand and increasing complexity within children’s safeguarding over the past one to two years. Budget challenges, deficits in the number of practitioners and a competitive market, have resulted in an increasing proportion of newly qualified and inexperienced workers across partner agencies.
However, inspectors reported a positive focus on safeguarding across the local authority, local police force and health board. The report found that practitioners mostly understand their roles and responsibilities in the context of protecting children. Information is generally shared appropriately and in a timely manner when concerns are identified about children’s safety and well-being. There is good multi-agency participation in child protection meetings arranged under the Wales Safeguarding Procedures, with police attendance at review child protection conferences having significantly improved.
Children and their families’ views are heard. The Police and Crime Commissioner funds a range of initiatives supporting children and families affected by violence and harm.
Safeguarding of pupils is a high priority in schools and the pupil referral unit (PRU) and as a result, they are safe places for pupils to learn. Schools and the PRU know pupils and their families well and respond to meeting their needs. There are lots of opportunities for children to be involved in plans and decisions.
There were areas of immediate concern identified by HIW in relation to the health board’s safeguarding of children arrangements that could pose an immediate risk to their safety. HIW has requested the health board provide an improvement plan, which has since been received and accepted by HIW.
For all our findings and recommendations, read the full report below:
- Joint Inspectorate Review of Child Protection Arrangements (JICPA): Cardiff 2024
- Looking at how children and young people are being kept safe in Cardiff: Child Friendly