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09 August 2004 - Concerns over new child database

Concern has been raised over the creation of a massive database which will hold personal information about thousands of children. Newcastle and Gateshead councils are piloting the so-called 'passport' system, which will give access to teachers and health workers.
But the civil liberties group Liberty, says it is worried about who will have access to sensitive information. The local authorities involved have promised all users will be vetted. The database will contain basic information such as name, address, date of birth and GP for all children under the age of 19.
Letters are being sent out to parents in the region, who have the choice to opt out of the pilot scheme. Those behind the scheme say it will make it easier for schools, health workers and parents to access information.
Project manager Philip Dyer, said, "We're bringing together some very basic information that has already been collected separately by agencies across the North East. "We're trying to collate this is one place so that people like teachers can actually find some very basic information about children when there may be a problem within the school setting, for example."
But Barry Hugill of Liberty, said, "There may be a case for holding information about a schoolteacher or neighbour who noticed something suspicious, but who will be able to access the data?"
Mr Dyer said they will only hold the data once they have agreed security with the Primary Care Trusts, the police and local authorities. He said, "Access to information will have to be security cleared, and will be restricted to practitioners, for example head teachers, health visitors and social workers.
"This will not be a system that will be open to the general public. We're not going to hold very detailed information about children, for example health records. This system will not access such data without the consent of parent and child."
The information will be collated over the summer and an index of children should be available by the end of the year, according to Gateshead Council.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk/news

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