Big brother little brother

12:38pm Thursday 24th April 2008

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THE personal details of nearly 50,000 children are being placed on a new database launched by Somerset County Council.

The new Integrated Children's System has been developed as part of a plan to improve the welfare of children in need.

It will contain information about schools attended, mental health issues, and incidents of sexual abuse and crime.

Approximately 600 people will have access to the new database, including social workers, their managers, and residential and support staff.

A small number of other county council employees will have access to the ICS for specific purposes, such as members of the youth offending team and staff who organise transport for children's social care.

The head of children's social care, Linda Barnett said: "The database is a way to help social workers manage their work and put plans in place for the children for whom they're responsible.

"It also makes sure our work is done well and departmental needs are met.

"It's a very effective way of sharing information with parents and guardians on what we're doing on their behalf.

"For example, if there's an emergency it will allow people to look at information easily.

"This is a management system of social work to enable us to be efficient and is not part of a wider Government scheme.

"Somerset County Council takes the issue of security extremely seriously and we understand fully that security of our systems is of paramount importance to the public."