4Children responds to report into Rotherham child abuse and announcement on the inquiry into child abuse

Responding to the announcement on the independent Inquiry into child abuse and the publication of Louise Casey’s report into child abuse in Rotherham, Chief Executive of 4Children Anne Longfield OBE said:

 

After a protracted process it is welcome that we are finally seeing this important inquiry move forward. With a new Chair – Justice Lowell Goddard – there can be no more unnecessary delays. It is welcome that there will be a new statutory status to this inquiry with a new panel. For the sake of the victims and children who remain vulnerable, work must begin at the earliest possible opportunity.

Louise Casey’s report into the abject failure of Rotherham council to protect their most vulnerable children only serves to highlight why we need immediate action – she has concluded the council is not fit for purpose. This shocking report is a welcome step towards recognising the myriad of past and present failures and ensuring this sort of abuse can never happen again.

While bringing those responsible for such a dereliction of duty to justice, we cannot forget the reality that exploitation is ongoing in other areas of the country.

In light of this, 4Children today reaffirms its previous call for a time limited inquiry, led by the Prime Minister, into child sexual exploitation across the UK, recognising the scale and importance of the issue, so that ongoing child sexual exploitation can be addressed without delay. Justice Lowell Goddard’s inquiry is vital, but must not detract from the urgency of preventing further abuse of vulnerable children.”

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