A large scale study was conducted to examine whether Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) have successful in overcoming some of the weaknesses in Area Child Protection Committees. This interim report draws upon research undertaken over the first 12 months (January 2008 - January 2009) of the research study.
It is based on three core data sources: national mapping of LSCBs; a survey of LSCB Chairs, designed to explore the different approaches that LSCBs have adopted to fulfil their core functions; and in-depth qualitative interviews with Chairs and Business Managers from six case study areas (12 in total).
Key findings are discussed in the areas of chairing arrangement; board structure and representation; infrastructure to support the operation of the board; communication and information sharing; serious case reviews and child death review processes.
From the results of this report it is concluded that, substantial progress has been made and that implementation of the LSCBs in England seems to be progressing in a positive way.