Youth protection in the UK

[frank10]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/main.jhtml?xml=/education/2008/06/26/ftchild126.xml

 

Interesting story about "vetting of adults" in the UK. Seems they have a government of background checks. Not sure what I think of it... At least it's standardized. But as the reporter shows it has it's problems.

[Gold Winger]

"To make matters worse, there is no evidence that licensing adults protects children from harm. All that a CRB check does is find out what an individual has done in the past. It cannot predict what someone with a licence to work with children may do in the future."

 

This is probably the most important statement in the article.

[epalmer84]

If you want more info on the Scout Associations' "Young People First" program:

 

http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/child-protection/

 

Background checks are only one small part of any youth protection program. The check will probably keep those with criminal backgrounds from ever applying for a youth position. It does not clear anyone who has never been caught or convicted, and it does not prevent anyone from committing a crime after passing a check. Such checks may give a sense of false safety.

 

Ed