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<p>The department is working closely with the Home Office and others on implementing
the recommendations in the final report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual
Abuse. This was most recently discussed with the Home Secretary on 17 October.</p><p>With
regard to recommendation six, the government accepted unequivocally the need for children
and young people to have their voices heard, to feel empowered to raise concerns,
and challenge any aspect of their care. The department is prioritising work to update
national standards and statutory guidance for the provision of children’s advocacy
services. In September the department launched a consultation on proposals, including
extending the scope of the standards to apply to special residential settings and
introducing a new standard on non-instructed advocacy for children who are non-verbal.
This consultation closed on 18 December.</p><p>The department also remains committed
to reviewing and strengthening the Independent Reviewing Officer and Regulation 44
visitors’ roles, and is continuing to engage with stakeholders on different options.</p><p>
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