Evaluation of the effectiveness of the new local safeguarding children boards (LSCBS)

Introduction Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) were implemented in April 2006 to replace Area Child Protection Committees (ACPCs). The Boards have a statutory responsibility to co-ordinate and ensure the effectiveness of the work of partner bodies to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. LSCB functions include: the development of policies and procedures for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; communicating and raising awareness; participating in planning and commissioning children’s services; collecting and analysing information about child deaths; undertaking serious case reviews and monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of what is done. The Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP), in partnership with the Centre for Children and Family Research (CCFR) (both based at Loughborough University) are undertaking an evaluation to explore the structures and processes adopted by LSCBs to fulfil their core functions. The study will also examine whether these new structures and processes have overcome identified weaknesses of Area Child Protection Committees (ACPCs) and promoted co-operation between services responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.