Survive welcomes the announcement today from the UK Government regarding their commitment to establish a new Child Protection Authority (CPA), marking a considerable milestone in strengthening protection of children across England and Wales.

The creation of a Child Protection Authority was one of the most pressing recommendations made by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), and its implementation has the potential to transform how child protection is led, monitored, and improved nationally.

Says Mags Godderidge, CEO of Survive and core member of Act on IICSA (ick-sa): “This truly is welcome news. Alongside survivors, supporters and other sexual violence specialists, we have been campaigning for a Child Protection Authority to help keep current and future generations of children safe from sexual abuse. The government’s announcement means we are one step closer to this ambition becoming a reality. Survive would like to thank everyone who wrote to their MP and shared our message and are grateful to our local MP, Rachael Maskell, for her continued support and advocacy.” 

The Government has confirmed that the new Authority will have three core functions:

Practice leadership and national oversight – using data and evidence to identify emerging risks, improve understanding of child protection challenges, and provide expert advice to government and partners.

System learning and support – promoting and embedding good practice, supporting local areas to improve outcomes for children, and sharing resources through a national digital platform.

Driving system improvements and accountability – helping to ensure recommendations lead to measurable change and advising on inspection and regulatory activity where appropriate.

Survive has been a member of the national Act On IICSA (“ick-sa”) campaign for the past three years, seeking the implementation of all 20 recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). Professor Alexis Jay, who chaired the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, spoke at Survive‘s recent conference on the 12th of May, where The University of York also presented the results of an independent evaluation of Survive’s data, showing that Survive‘s services and interventions significantly reduce survivor psychological distress and trauma and help survivors lead happier and healthier lives.

The need for a Child Protection Authority could not be clearer. IICSA’s final report exposed failures by both state and non-state institutions to protect children from sexual abuse. The Inquiry concluded that systemic changes were needed to prevent future abuse and to ensure existing survivors received the appropriate care and support.

Survive will continue to campaign for the full implementation of all IICSA’s recommendations. To find out more about the planned Child Protection Authority, please visit New national Child Protection Authority announced – GOV.UK