ABSTRACT
The role of the media and of public opinion in child protection is not part of the structure as such, but it exerts very powerful influences on the development of child protection services. In terms of the management of child abuse services, it is arguable that guidance has been more significant than primary legislation: The whole machinery of child-abuse procedures, area child-protection committees, case conferences, and at-risk registers, is based not on law but on circulars of guidance'. The Social Services Inspectorate is the professional division of the Department of Health. The relationship between local government and central government is often characterised by tension; this is true when different political parties are in power. The Audit Commission is an independent body which was established in 1982 under the Local Government Finance Act, and began work in 1983. It is responsible for an overview of external audit of local authorities and agencies within the National Health Service in England and Wales.
