AAAAAAAAArgh - stranger danger

The new CRB checks are being discussed. Did you know that if you give neighbour`s child a lift you will need a current CRB certificate from next year> Or be liable to prosecution.
Most children who are abused suffer the abuse in their own home, from a family member. I assume that will be the next move? Sterilisation if you have a conviction. BTW these checks include crimes like motoring offences, social disorder, fraud, shoplifting....
I work with children. These checks are IMO - worthless. All they tell you is that the person hasn`t been prosecited. They may have been interfering with children for years and not been caught.
What works is good practice - we ensure children are not alone with any adult. Another adult is always present, and we also tell staff they should remain in a public or overlooked space. You don`t accompany children to toilets. You ensure staff use separate toilets to the children. Parents are welcome to drop in any time without telling us first.
Is it any wonder that children now are frightened to play out? That they remain in their own homes in front of the games console?

Re: AAAAAAAAArgh - stranger danger

I agree hugely that our children are being frightened' I mosty blame the media for that.
I also agree that the vast majority of child abuse takes place in the home.
And that the CRB checks, or their successor checks are not 100%

However, sports and social clubs act in loco parentis for the time they are in charge of the kids. Sprts and social clubs have been used by devious individuals to gain unfettered access to children. In this litigious age it is more than likely that parents would seek to sue any club which allowed an 'unchecked' person access which led to anything untoward. Clubs will have to cover their own backs.

Re: AAAAAAAAArgh - stranger danger

I agree child protection has gone too far. All the checks in the world only pick out people who are known offenders. Passing a check doesn't mean someone is 'safe', but it does put some genuine people off helping. It makes them nervous of getting involved, just in case they're accused of something. I'm thinking of a friend's brother who's hesitating about becoming involved with Scouts. A real shame, after his years in the RAF I think he'd have a lot to offer.
As I understood it the new regulations would only to apply to formal arrangements, not giving a neighbour's child an occasional lift for example. I must say it didn't seem a huge change.