In April 2005, the Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) ceased to exist and its responsibilities were transferred to Shropshire’s Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB).
The SSCB is a representative group of agencies in Shropshire involved in Safeguarding Children and Child Protection. Shropshire Council's Safeguarding Directorate has lead responsibility for the effective working of the SSCB, but all agencies are responsible for contributing fully and effectively to the work of the SSCB.
For 2010/11, the SSCB decided to concentrate on improving information sharing between agencies, introducing a Suicide Prevention Strategy, and adopting a Neglect Strategy to reduce incidents of childhood neglect.
In May 2011 the SSCB held a conference focusing on the ways we can improve the sharing of information when there are concerns that a child or young person may be at risk of abuse.
In March and September of 2011, the SSCB updated the Shropshire's Child Protection Procedures to reflect the new requirements set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010. In addition new Local Procedures have been added:
- Neglect Strategy and Guidance for Practitioners
- Suicide Prevention - Care Pathway for Children and Young People and a Practitioner Toolkit
- Child Sexual Exploitation Strategy and Guidance for Practitioners
The SSCB are currently reviewing Board membership following recommendations by Ofsted and the new Board members will be meeting in December 2011 to discuss priorities for 2012.