Menu
18/06/2012
Report Finds 'Serious Weaknesses' In Children's Care System
A new report on England’s care system has found “serious weaknesses” in the care provided for runaways, the children’s minister says.
The report calls for an independent investigation into the homes system after an investigation by MPs found placing youngsters far from home could encourage them to abscond, leaving them then at risk of sexual abuse.
Children's Minister Tim Loughton said "urgent steps" would be taken.
Much of the criticism by the all-party parliamentary groups on children in care and on runaways and missing people focuses on homes where about 5,000 of the 65,000 of those in care are looked after.
The report, first highlighted by BBC Two's Newsnight programme earlier this month, says the system of residential care is "not fit for purpose" for children who go missing.
Labour MP Ann Coffey, chairwoman of the all-party parliamentary group for Runaway and Missing Children and Adults, said: "There is a scandal going on in England involving children missing from care.
"This inquiry has revealed the widespread concern that what we have in place at the moment falls dramatically short of what is needed to protect some of society's most vulnerable children.
"We know that dangerous predators are exploiting large gaps in the system and targeting children."
(H)
The report calls for an independent investigation into the homes system after an investigation by MPs found placing youngsters far from home could encourage them to abscond, leaving them then at risk of sexual abuse.
Children's Minister Tim Loughton said "urgent steps" would be taken.
Much of the criticism by the all-party parliamentary groups on children in care and on runaways and missing people focuses on homes where about 5,000 of the 65,000 of those in care are looked after.
The report, first highlighted by BBC Two's Newsnight programme earlier this month, says the system of residential care is "not fit for purpose" for children who go missing.
Labour MP Ann Coffey, chairwoman of the all-party parliamentary group for Runaway and Missing Children and Adults, said: "There is a scandal going on in England involving children missing from care.
"This inquiry has revealed the widespread concern that what we have in place at the moment falls dramatically short of what is needed to protect some of society's most vulnerable children.
"We know that dangerous predators are exploiting large gaps in the system and targeting children."
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 September 2006
Care system 'failing young people'
The care system in the UK is failing young people and leaving many destined to end up homeless, dependent on alcohol or drugs, or engaged in prostitution or criminality, a report has claimed.
Care system 'failing young people'
The care system in the UK is failing young people and leaving many destined to end up homeless, dependent on alcohol or drugs, or engaged in prostitution or criminality, a report has claimed.
27 May 2008
Foster Care Boosted
Young foster children with emotional or psychological difficulties are to get extra support to stop them getting into trouble at school and help them settle in care placements, thanks to a £3.8 million pilot project announced today by Children's Minister Kevin Brennan.
Foster Care Boosted
Young foster children with emotional or psychological difficulties are to get extra support to stop them getting into trouble at school and help them settle in care placements, thanks to a £3.8 million pilot project announced today by Children's Minister Kevin Brennan.
04 July 2011
Fairer Adult Social Care Funding Sought
Costs would be capped and the means-tested threshold increased under major changes to the funding of adult social care in England, recommended today by the Commission on Funding of Care and Support in its final report Fairer Care Funding.
Fairer Adult Social Care Funding Sought
Costs would be capped and the means-tested threshold increased under major changes to the funding of adult social care in England, recommended today by the Commission on Funding of Care and Support in its final report Fairer Care Funding.
09 June 2015
People In Abusive Relationships Urged To Seek Help Following Murder Conviction
Merseyside Police have urged people in abusive or violent relationships to seek help "before the problems escalate", following the conviction of a woman for the murder of her former partner. Farieissia Martin has been jailed for life, to serve a minimum term of 13 years, after she stabbed her former boyfriend, Kyle Farrell, during a drunken row.
People In Abusive Relationships Urged To Seek Help Following Murder Conviction
Merseyside Police have urged people in abusive or violent relationships to seek help "before the problems escalate", following the conviction of a woman for the murder of her former partner. Farieissia Martin has been jailed for life, to serve a minimum term of 13 years, after she stabbed her former boyfriend, Kyle Farrell, during a drunken row.
03 March 2009
Ivan Cameron's Funeral Held Today
The funeral for Conservative Leader David Cameron's eldest child Ivan has been held today. The six-year-old suffered from a rare form of epilepsy and severe cerebral palsy. Ivan, who required round the clock care, died in hospital last Wednesday.
Ivan Cameron's Funeral Held Today
The funeral for Conservative Leader David Cameron's eldest child Ivan has been held today. The six-year-old suffered from a rare form of epilepsy and severe cerebral palsy. Ivan, who required round the clock care, died in hospital last Wednesday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
