ACPO comment on the launch of the National Child Sexual Abuse Review Panel

The panel provides a mechanism by which cases of child abuse can be reviewed by police and prosecutors under an agreed criteria. The Office of the Children's Commissioner and the NSPCC provide an independently advisory role to the panel.

National policing lead on violence and public protection Chief Constable Dave Whatton said:

"The creation of the panel is an important moment for victims who feel their allegations of child abuse were not dealt with as they should, to find the trust and confidence to come forward again.

"We know that we have not always got our approach right. We need to ensure when victims do come forward that we provide the best response as well as ensuring we do not compromise a fair trial process for the accused. This consultation combined with the panels and other national policing work is a chance to ensure we explore every opportunity to get the balance of justice right."

Sue Berelowitz, Deputy Children's Commissioner for England said:

"I welcome the creation of a new panel to review historic allegations of child abuse where alleged victims are unhappy with the police or CPS' action. I'm delighted to have been asked to act as an independent advisor to the panel to help ensure children's voices are properly heard and cases that need to be are reviewed and investigated."

• Full details of the National Child Sexual Abuse Review Panel
• Today the College of Policing and the Director of Public Prosecutions have also launched a joint public consultation to help strengthen the way the criminal justice system deals with child abuse and sexual exploitation. The College has published Child Sexual Exploitation Guidelines and Child Abuse Guidelines and the CPS has published Interim Guidelines on Prosecuting Cases of Child Sexual Abuse; both of which are available for public consultation.
• The College of Policing has been set up as the new professional body for policing, setting guidance and standards underpinned by an evidence base. The College is headed by Chief Constable Alex Marshall and is supported by national policing business area leads of chief officer rank who work with all ranks of the service to develop best practice. Chief Constables, through ACPO, remain responsible for the operational delivery of policing.

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk