held since the consultation document was issued. Parallel guidance was issued to the police and schools and professional guidance was issued to doctors, nurses and social workers. Corresponding guidance has been issued or is being prepared for the different authorities and professionals in Scotland and Northern Ireland. 325. In October 1986, the Government launched a central training initiative for the training of managers and practitioners in child abuse work. The initiative consists of seven projects at present. In July 1988, the Government announced a new training support programme to support the training of social services staff involved in child care, including child abuse. 326. Arrangements have also been made to receive more accurate data about the incidence of child abuse. In July 1987, the Minister of Health announced arrangements for the collection of annual statistics on child abuse from child protection registers held by local authorities in England and Wales. A pilot study sought information for the period ending 31 March 1988 and a national annual return has been introduced from March 1989. The Secretary of State for Scotland has also set in train work which will lead to the production of local and national statistics on child abuse. In Northern Ireland, statistics on child abuse have been produced annually since 1981. 327. Provisions in the Children Bill are intended to improve the powers of local authorities to protect children at risk. The existing duty to investigate circumstances which suggest that there may be grounds for care proceedings will be replaced by a more active duty to investigate any case where it is suspected that the child is suffering harm or is likely to do so. 328. A new Emergency Protection Order will replace the Place of Safety Order. The new order will enable an authority to gain access to a child and remove 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing government initiatives and policies related to child protection and abuse. It mentions training programs for professionals, data collection on child abuse, and legislative changes to improve the powers of local authorities to protect children. These topics suggest that the category is related to social services, welfare, or healthcare.

**Category**
Health, Education