Menu
16/01/2004
Children facing police protection offered better information
Children who have to be placed under police protection will get more information and reassurance following the publication today of new 'child- friendly' leaflets, the Home Office announced today.
The new literature, designed by child protection experts, has been funded and produced by the Home Office, with support from the NSPCC. It will be used by police officers to help explain in simple terms to children and young people why the police need to protect them, what will happen to them and to reassure them that they are not in any trouble. The series of leaflets will also give information to parents, guardians and carers.
The police have powers to take a child into police protection when they are at risk of serious harm - for example where children are lost or missing, or there are concerns about the care of the child.
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said today: "The decision to take a child into police protection is never taken lightly and is only used when a child is at risk of serious harm.
"However, our overriding priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of children at risk, and the police have a vital role to play in this.
Mary Marsh, NSPCC Director and Chief Executive, said that as police protection can be a "bewildering experience" for some, the leaflets should enable children to understand what's going on and "help make the experience less distressing".
A child can be held in police protection for 72 hours and the police must notify the social services department as soon as is practicable after they have been taken into police protection. The social services should then find somewhere safe for them to stay while enquiries are being made.
The leaflets will be initially distributed to police child protection units.
(gmcg)
The new literature, designed by child protection experts, has been funded and produced by the Home Office, with support from the NSPCC. It will be used by police officers to help explain in simple terms to children and young people why the police need to protect them, what will happen to them and to reassure them that they are not in any trouble. The series of leaflets will also give information to parents, guardians and carers.
The police have powers to take a child into police protection when they are at risk of serious harm - for example where children are lost or missing, or there are concerns about the care of the child.
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said today: "The decision to take a child into police protection is never taken lightly and is only used when a child is at risk of serious harm.
"However, our overriding priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of children at risk, and the police have a vital role to play in this.
Mary Marsh, NSPCC Director and Chief Executive, said that as police protection can be a "bewildering experience" for some, the leaflets should enable children to understand what's going on and "help make the experience less distressing".
A child can be held in police protection for 72 hours and the police must notify the social services department as soon as is practicable after they have been taken into police protection. The social services should then find somewhere safe for them to stay while enquiries are being made.
The leaflets will be initially distributed to police child protection units.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 August 2009
NSPCC Calls Rise After Death Of Baby P
More people are calling the NSPCC Helpline about serious child abuse since the death of Baby Peter two years ago. Between April 2008 and March 2009, the 24-hour freephone service passed on 11,243 suspected child protection cases to police or social services - an increase of more than a third over two years.
NSPCC Calls Rise After Death Of Baby P
More people are calling the NSPCC Helpline about serious child abuse since the death of Baby Peter two years ago. Between April 2008 and March 2009, the 24-hour freephone service passed on 11,243 suspected child protection cases to police or social services - an increase of more than a third over two years.
01 April 2005
Home Office launches crack down on Net paedophiles
The Home Office has announced new measures to protect children from being 'groomed' by internet paedophiles. As part of the plans new Centre for Child Protection on the Internet will be set up to provide support for the police and child protection agencies.
Home Office launches crack down on Net paedophiles
The Home Office has announced new measures to protect children from being 'groomed' by internet paedophiles. As part of the plans new Centre for Child Protection on the Internet will be set up to provide support for the police and child protection agencies.
16 July 2004
Police officers face dismissal over Climbie inquiry
Six officers from the Metropolitan Police are to face charges of misconduct over the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has announced. Victoria died in 2002 following a sustained period of abuse at the hands of her family, in an ordeal which involved repeated beatings and gross neglect.
Police officers face dismissal over Climbie inquiry
Six officers from the Metropolitan Police are to face charges of misconduct over the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has announced. Victoria died in 2002 following a sustained period of abuse at the hands of her family, in an ordeal which involved repeated beatings and gross neglect.
21 July 2015
HMIC Publish National Child Protection Inspection Review
The HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has published its post-inspection review regarding child protection work carried out by South Yorkshire Police. HMIC published an initial report in September 2014, which found that South Yorkshire Police had an "inconsistent approach" to child protection and improvements to the care of children in custody.
HMIC Publish National Child Protection Inspection Review
The HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has published its post-inspection review regarding child protection work carried out by South Yorkshire Police. HMIC published an initial report in September 2014, which found that South Yorkshire Police had an "inconsistent approach" to child protection and improvements to the care of children in custody.
19 May 2004
Majority of public backs smacking ban, according to poll
A 19th century law permitting the smacking of children in the home should be redrawn to ban the practice, according to a Mori poll published today.
Majority of public backs smacking ban, according to poll
A 19th century law permitting the smacking of children in the home should be redrawn to ban the practice, according to a Mori poll published today.
-
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.
