First ‘secure college’ for young offenders in England opens
The Government has revealed plans to open the first ‘secure college’ for young offenders in England and Wales. It will open in Leicestershire in 2017 and will provide young offenders with double the amount of education they currently receive. Source: BBC Online 16 January 2014
Research shows advantages in placing children out of area
Research by the Thomas Coram Research Unit has found that when local authorities place young people in residential care outside their area it is often to help break patterns of risky behaviour such as child sexual exploitation, offending behaviour and involvement in gangs and gun and knife crime. Source: Institute of Education – Thomas Coram […]
Public inquiry into child abuse in children’s homes launched in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, a public inquiry in to child abuse in children’s homes has been launched. The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry is the biggest ever held in the UK and is examining allegations of abuse in children’s homes and juvenile justice over a 73 year period. Source: BBC Online 13 January 2014
ChildLine publishes a new report on bullying
ChildLine has published a report which shows a sharp increase in contacts to the service from children and young people affected by online bullying, self-harm and suicide. Source: NSPCC Website 08 January 2014 Further information: Can I tell you something? (PDF)
Next phase of NSPCC’s Underwear Rule campaign launched
The next phase of the NSPCC’s successful Underwear Rule campaign is being this week. It will encourage parents of 5 to 11-year-olds to talk to their children about keeping safe from sexual abuse. New figures reveal that sex crimes against under-11s have increased by 20% – from 4,772 in 2011-12 to 5,547 in 2012-13. The […]
New regulations for residential care announced
The Department of Education has introduced new regulations for improving residential care for vulnerable children. Under the new rules, decisions to place a child outside their local area must be signed off by a senior council official and they must have good reasons for doing so. Source: Department for Education 04 January 2014
Children’s Commissioner calls for a change in the law
The Children’s Commissioner has called for a change in the law so that teachers, social workers and doctors are obliged to report any suspicions of child abuse. Source: Office of the Children’s Commissioner press release 20 December 2013
New CPS Protocol on disclosure in child abuse cases launched
The Crown Prosecution Service’s 2013 protocol and good practice model on the disclosure of information in cases of alleged child abuse and linked criminal and care directions hearings comes in to effect on 1 January 2014. Source: Crown Prosecution Service 02 January 2014 Further information: 2013 protocol and good practice model: disclosure of information in cases of alleged child […]
Information on child sex offender disclosure applications released
According to figures, since the launch of Sarah’s Law in April 2011, police forces in England, Wales and Scotland have received 4,754 applications to identify child sex offenders and made 708 disclosures, meaning 1 in 7 applications have been successful. Source: Guardian 23 December 2013
New courses launched
We are pleased to announce the launch of our two latest courses- Addressing Issues of E safety; and Safeguarding Older Children – please contact us for more details
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