Health Minister, Des Browne has announced the publication of new child protection guidance for Northern Ireland.

The document, ‘Co-operating to Safeguard Children’ sets out the role and responsibilities of different agencies and practitioners and outlines the way in which joint working arrangements should be agreed, implemented and reviewed through the mechanism of Area Child Protection Committees (ACPCs).

Commenting on the publication, Mr Browne said: "The issue of ‘Co-operating to Safeguard Children’ is one of a series of child protection initiatives being taken forward by my Department.

"It follows closely on the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Order, which became law in February. We also have plans to conduct an inspection of child protection services in the autumn."

The guidance, which has been consulted on widely, sets out the processes which should be followed when there are concerns about a child and the action which should be taken to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are suffering, or at risk of suffering, significant harm.

It also sets out the processes which should be followed if a tragedy occurs including mechanisms for ensuring that lessons learned from the handling of such tragedies are widely disseminated.

The guidance will be distributed widely to all agencies and disciplines in Northern Ireland, which have an important role to play in safeguarding and protecting children.

(MB)