Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will ensure that claims made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority relating to child sexual abuse are only considered by caseworkers who have had specific training in the nature and effect on the individual of such abuse.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse published its Interim Report on 25 April. The Report contains a series of recommendations for specific changes, one of which was specifically directed at the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This was that:

- CICA ensures that claims relating to child sexual abuse are only considered by caseworkers who have specific and detailed training in the nature and impact of child sexual abuse.

The Government welcomes the Report and is now considering the Inquiry’s recommendations very carefully. We will respond fully in due course.