Its Not All Bad News
Posted by News Editor
Tuesday, January 17, 2006

There is no doubt that the Government's recent handling of List 99;has dented our campaign in drawing attention to the plight of carers and teacher falsely accused of child abuse.FACT's position is absolutely clear. Those carers and teachers who abuse children should not be allowed to work with children. Ruth Kelly (and previous ministers) have undoubtedly been put in a difficult position and on occasions may not have always acted wisely.What is clear is that the system of 'listing' people considered unsuitable to work with children is in need of complete overhaul. The system not only needs to ensurethat those who are a danger to childrencannot work with them but also that only those who a factually innocent of child abuse are not placed on the list. There needs to be an evidential approach to list, more accountability for the decisions taken and a proper system for challenging 'wrong' decisions.  Being falsely accused is not as Tony Blair has recently made clear, acceptable. Indeed at the launch of his Respect speech he made it clear

"an innocent person should be protected from wrongful accusation". 
Tony Blair

It's time I think to remind him and the Government that action speaks louder than words and that there should be no difference between policy and practice.