Child safety improvements too slow, says report
BBCChanges to how vulnerable children are protected from harm in parts of Dorset have been "too slow", inspectors have said.
A joint inspection of agencies in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) found children usually received a quick and effective response when concerns about them were raised.
But it said harm caused to children by neglect and domestic abuse was not always spotted quickly, and some Clare's Law disclosures were made by officers who were not always trained in safety planning.
Richard Burton, BCP Council's cabinet member for children, said: "We accept the report's finding that improvement needs to happen faster and, as a partnership, we are committed to making that happen."
The inspection was carried out in September by Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission and His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.
It looked at how the council, Dorset Police and health services work together when a child may need help or protection.
Inspectors said the partnership had only been fully running since December 2024 and had been affected by leadership changes, particularly at the NHS Integrated Care Board.
They found some services focused mainly on adults rather than on children's safety, and information-sharing was patchy in some health services, including child and adolescent mental health services.
Clare's Law lets people ask police whether a partner has a history of abuse. Inspectors said officers making disclosures were not always aware of the support available, which carried an "inherent risk".
The report praised the safeguarding hub where agencies share information, the response to children who go missing or are exploited, and the role of schools.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said Dorset Police recognised Clare's Law disclosures needed to be "supported by appropriate training and safety planning".
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said the recommendations must be carried out "fully, correctly and without unnecessary delay".
Shelagh Meldrum, chief nursing officer at NHS Dorset and chair of the partnership, said agencies would "continue working together to address the areas identified for improvement".
The partnership must send Ofsted an action plan by 23 February.