The roll out of a massive database of children in the UK began
yesterday, despite
opposition to the project and following several delays.
Contactpoint will contain details of every child in the country,
with the aim of improving communications between staff involved in
child protection.
Charity workers, doctors, nurses, police officers and social
workers will have access to the online directory of basic
details.
It was recommended by Lord Laming's enquiry after the death of
8-year-old Victoria Climbie, who was killed by her aunt after a
catalogue of mistakes by those who were supposed to help her.
He admitted today that the new directory will not stop child
abuse. He said, "ContactPoint will not change the world. It will
not replace the need for children's services organisations to
ensure effective working across teams, across services and
agencies, including sharing information where this is appropriate.
But, in time, I believe ContactPoint will be an important tool in
supporting this practice, helping practitioners to know who else is
working with a particular child."
The department for children, schools and families awarded the
contract to Capgemini in July 2007. It was supposed to be rolled
out in April 2008, but the project suffered two
delays - the first until October last year, and then until
today.
Privacy campaigners have raised concerns about the database,
saying it is intrusive and that the government's track record with
sensitive data is poor.
From today, two members of staff from local authorities all over
England will begin the training necessary to operate the system.
The system will be "more intensively piloted" in the north west,
where training is starting in 17 councils as well as two charities
- Barnardo's and KIDS.
Staff will start operating the system in spring and summer of
this year.