Given recent publicity about child abuse etc, and belated allegations by young adults, and even some old ones, there is presumably a growing argument in favour of keeping things 'forever'? There are parallels in the NHS - patient medical records. Records for psychiatric patients are retained 'permanently'. When I was with Department of Health we had a Social Services Inspectorate. I think that may have become an independent (from the DH) Agency? Presumably they are the policy owners and would have issued the guidelines you work to? The DH DRO would know, and probably be able to advise you ref retention periods.
-----Original Message-----
From: The UK Records Management mailing list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Claire Park
Sent: Wednesday, 17 March, 2004 14:09
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Retention of Social Services Childcare Files (Restricted
Access)
Just a quick question...
We have recently discovered a discrepancy with the destruction dates that
have been applied to records being deposited by Social Services/Legal
Services.
There are a number of problems-:
1. retention periods are not set or controlled by us
2. dates and conventions can vary widely depending on the originating
area office
3. Social Services and Legal Services appear to apply different criteria
4. changes to retention periods or the criteria on which they are based
are not communicated widely enough
The retention period for many years was set at 20 years from the DOB of
youngest the child with which the case was concerned. This was
subsequently changed (without notification) to 25 years.
We have today received another batch and the destruction date of 25 years
is being applied to the last piece of correspondence in the file. There
was also talk of retaining files for 75 years which has huge implications
for long term storage.
Does anyone know of any recognised guidance on this issue or a specific
body that is responsible for handling guidance issues as the advice must be
coming from somewhere?
I am VERY concerned that these records are being badly managed and their
informational value is being jeopardised.
thanks
reply off list to [log in to unmask]
|