BASW UK statement on the Government’s response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)

The Government’s response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) represents an important milestone, seven years after the inquiry first began its work. The wait for action will have felt longest for the many victims and survivors of child sexual abuse who our thoughts and solidarity are with at this time.

Despite this, we are disappointed the Government is seeking to directly address only some of the recommendations. Whilst we support the launch of a financial redress scheme, we would also like to see access to therapeutic support prioritised for people too. We are concerned that much of what has been published will only delay action further with yet more consultations.

Failure to address the chronic underfunding of children’s social care as well as the vacancy rate in children’s social worker posts, which increased by 21% in a year, we believe inaction will only further exacerbate issues within the system when considering existing pressures on the workforce and a lack of resources.

The announcement of a call for evidence into proposals around mandatory reporting will be a welcome opportunity for our members to help further inform the Government’s plans and we will be engaging with them in due course.

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The Government’s full response to the final report from the Independent Inquiry can be read here.