On 23 December 2003 First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Minister for Children Jane Hutt announced that the Welsh Assembly Government had appointed Gwenda Thomas AM to head a review of the progress made to date in safeguarding vulnerable children in Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government is now inviting written evidence to be submitted to the review.

Consultation period: 27/4/04 - 2/7/04

The terms of reference of the review are:

• To undertake a review of current policies and practices for safeguarding children in Wales,


• to consider whether they are sufficiently clear and robust to deliver safe and effective services in authorities and agencies;


• to identify strengths and areas for improvement;


• to consider the effectiveness of inter-agency arrangements in safeguarding children, including the effectiveness of existing arrangements for the recording and sharing of information, taking into account the findings of inquiries into the Soham case;


• to consider the risks and opportunities posed by the Internet and new technology in safeguarding children; and


• to recommend to the Welsh Assembly Government the actions needed to strengthen policies and practice for safeguarding children.


Evidence will be taken and considered from a wide range of sources including findings from research on safeguarding children, and recent inspections and audits of children's services.

The Welsh Assembly is inviting submissions of written evidence from a wide cross section of the Welsh public, especially children and young people, their parents or guardians, and professionals. These will assist in informing the panel in producing the report.

Submissions should be sent by post to:

Mike Burns or Judith Smetham
Child Protection and Placements Team
Children and Families Directorate
Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
Fax: 029 2082 3142