LAMI-18 Response Historic AI-assessed

Mandate interpreter use for non-English speaking children in welfare communications

Recommendation

When communication with a child is necessary for the purposes of safeguarding and promoting that child’s welfare, and the first language of that child is not English, an interpreter must be used. In cases where the use of an interpreter is dispensed with, the reasons for so doing must be recorded in the child’s notes/case file.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to 'Working Together to Safeguard Children' guidance, government guidance, such as 'Working Together to Safeguard Children,' mandates the use of interpreters when communicating with children whose first language is not English for safeguarding purposes. According to the guidance, it also requires that reasons for dispensing with an interpreter be recorded in the child's case file.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
UK-wide
Response
Historic

No government response recorded.

Source
Report Laming Inquiry — Final Report 28 Jan 2003
Recommendation age 23.2 yrs
Last formal update No formal updates