“Now just do it.” Will you?

Lord Laming’s UK Child Protection Protection Progress report was published today following the request from Ed Balls, children’s secretary. It is one of the most heated topics in discussion in the House of Common. Expectedly it has received attention as well as enthusiastic responses from everybody: from members of the House to social workers and anybody else who felt the urge to take action into this.

After several severe failed cases to protect children, some of which have led to deaths such as Victoria Climbie and Baby P’s, tension and pressure have been building up particularly for the child protection work sector to do their job properly. Disappointment and criticisms have been addressed before. Some social workers who were responsible for the deaths of these children were sacked or put on trial. The public has become more concerned than ever. Child protection reforms “have not been given priority.” Is it finally now time for it to be?

Headlines on UK national online newspapers have been covering the issue in depth.

BBC’s article is quite concise and thorough enough to give the main points. The Guardian gathered a number of reactions from key figures on the subject. Ed Balls’ full statement response to Lord Laming’s report has acknowledged all the problems that had been addressed in it, as well as stating the government’s commitment effort now to improve child protection works.

Higher level of training is urgently needed for social workers still. This determinate response from the government might be a “good news” today, but we are waiting for these words to be put into actions. Public awareness will hopefully spur and “threat” for changes to come to help innocent children who are vulnerable in the hands of their own carers.