The Children Bill

The Children Act

Despite our best efforts, the Children Bill slid on to the statute books on November 11^th 2004 by a mere 12 votes. What will happen next? Who knows. In the space of one fortnight, we have learned that the CSA computer system is collapsing, the BMA has advised GPs that the NHS Information System is presenting a serious threat to patient confidentiality, the Public Accounts Committee has condemned the Libra Courts System as ‘disastrous’ and the Department for Work and Pensions system is in crisis. It does not bode well for the planned children’s systems.

We are considering a legal challenge to the information-sharing provisions of the Children Act, and will be monitoring its implementation closely. However, to mount a challenge, ARCH needs finance. As a voluntary organisation we have no funds beyond our own individual resources. If you believe that this example of nanny state needs someone to stand up and be counted, please go to our donations page.

For more information about the planned children’s databases, see our ‘Child Panopticon’.

Please click on the following links to our comments and history on this...