There is a continuing commitment to the principle of early intervention to counter the adverse effects of socio-economic disadvantage and diminished life chances. A number of major new policy developments are also being introduced, the purpose of which is to introduce greater autonomy and innovation at both the levels of professional practice and strategic management and delivery of services (Field 2010). Although Professor Munro remained critical of many aspects of the current child protection system. Her report highlighted that there is too much emphasis on procedures and recording and that the extensive statutory guidance, targets and local rules they limit professionals' ability to stay child-centered and to exercise professional judgement. There is also a failure to learn adequately from serious cases due to the tendency to focus on human rather than for example systemic error. .
The Review of Child Protection has also recommended extensive changes to the day-to-day delivery of child protection services. Concerns were raised by social workers and others about the nature and amount of guidance and the potentially adverse impact of performance indicators, both of which were thought potentially to stifle their ability to exercise professional judgement or to prioritize time with children and families. The review also adopted a systems approach to analyze why the current problems have arisen, to set out the characteristics of an effective child protection system and to outline the reforms that might help the current system get closer to the ideal. The Government response has taken forward many of its recommendations.
Safeguarding is a broad term that encompasses protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of health and development and ensuring children have safe and effective care. It is the term that has replaced the term Child Protection. It includes promoting children's safety and welfare as well as protecting children when abuse happens.