The AoCPP welcomes the Final Report of the Cass Review into the care of children and young people with gender dysphoria (link).
The safeguarding of children and young people with gender dysphoria has to be based on best practice supported by the research. The Final Report is clear that practice needs to reflect the strengths and limitations of current research and that caution is necessary in the care and treatment of the children and young people involved to ensure that they receive the best support.
The Cass Review has noted the polarisation and toxicity of the discussions around gender dysphoria and that this does not provide a helpful context for consideration of the best interests of the children and young people involved. The AoCPP holds the view that the effective safeguarding of children and young people requires open, thoughtful and respectful discussions between professionals, children and young people and their families to provide best practice in this contested area.
The Final Report is a welcome review of the evidence and the AoCPP supports the recommendations which we consider to be in the best interests of children and young people with gender dysphoria. The AoCPP would like to thank Dr Hilary Cass for her leadership in this area and for producing a Final Report that will be invaluable to all safeguarding professionals.