New Government Publication - Duty to Report Child Abuse
- info599475
- Jan 30
- 2 min read
On January 25th, the Home Office published a research briefing on the duty to report child abuse. It is linked here:
So what does this mean? Read on to find out.
Why is this being introduced now?
The previous Government had tried to introduce this but the part of the Criminal Justice Bill in which it was contained basically didn't pass through parliament before the July 2024 election. The current Labour government note that there is "heightened interest in child sexual exploitation at the start of 2025." (page 14)
Why did the previous Government suggest it in the first place?
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse had made it one of their recommendations, back in 2022. You can see the full list of their recommendations here: https://www.iicsa.org.uk/recommendations.html
What's the current situation for professionals in terms of reporting child abuse?
Professionals working with children may face disciplinary sanctions from their employer if they do not report child abuse. There is currently no criminal sanction for not reporting it.
What are the suggested changes if this bill passes through Parliament?
The Labour Government will "make it mandatory to report abuse, and we will put measures in the crime and policing Bill—to be put before Parliament this spring—to make it an offence, with professional and criminal sanctions, to fail to report or to cover up child sexual abuse." https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-01-06/debates/82491377-55C1-444F-8A7D-0EF61A181771/ChildSexualExploitationAndAbuse
Who will the 'professional and criminal sanctions' apply to?
Professional sanctions already apply to professionals working with children if they fail to report or attempt to cover up child abuse. It is likely now that those same professions will, alongside the professional sanction, receive a criminal sanction as well. The briefing suggests this will apply to "people whose roles involve a degree of care or responsibility for children, such as teachers and healthcare professionals." (p.17)
What does this mean for my organisation?
Policies will need to be amended to reflect the new legislation when it comes into force (assuming it passes through Parliament and the House of Lords). These will include: safeguarding and child protection policies, disciplinary policies and staff codes of conduct. Contracts may also need to be amended.
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