LETTER : Information about child abusers in the social services

From Mr Brian Waller

Sir: Your articles about alleged cases of child abuse in Islington demonstrates once again our ambivalence about the protection of children. Local authorities can and should share sensitive information about employees, and this is precisely what Leicestershire has done in the wake of the Frank Beck case.

As a result of the extensive investigations carried out by the police in that case, we were presented with concerns - falling short of evidence that would justify criminal proceedings - about some 30 members of staff who had left this authority's employment. With the advice of our lawyers and in consultation with the police, I wrote to every social service authority in the county with a list of names to advise them to check their files and to offer to share information that had arisen during the investigation.

I can report that a number of other local authorities have taken up the offer of information. I have not been sued by any ex-employees.

Yours sincerely,

Brian Waller

Director

Social Services Department

Leicestershire County Council

Leicester

3 August