By David Callaghan and Reg McKay.
The social workers who failed tragic Lauren
Two social workers who saw a six-year-old girl two months before she died took no action, Norwich crown court was told.
Lauren Wright was found covered in bruises after she died at her family's home in Welney, Norfolk. Her stepmother Tracey Wright and natural father Craig Wright are both accused of manslaughter and wilful neglect, which they deny.
Lauren died from a single blow to the stomach and she had 60 bruises on her body. The social workers had been alerted to Lauren's case by neighbours, and took her to be examined by a paediatrician, who said he thought the bruising was 'non-accidental'. But Lauren appeared to be happy in the company of her stepmother, and a teacher said that Tracey Wright took a keen interest in her stepdaughter's education. The teacher also said Lauren appeared to bruise easily.
Source:- Daily Mail Friday 7 September page 19
Byers in row over housing scheme
Minister Stephen Byers has been accused of misleading the public over the housing for scheme for public sector workers.
The transport and local government secretary has been accused by the public accounts committee chairperson David Davies of re-announcing the same £250 million starter home initiative, which will provide interest-free loans of £10,000 to nurses, teachers and police officers.
Source:- Daily Telegraph Friday 7 September page 4
Child asylum seekers warning
Kent social services will soon be looking after more asylum seekers than local children. The county council is looking after 1,200 unaccompanied asylum seeking children, while the total of local children in care is 1,500.
Source:- Daily Telegraph Friday 7 September page 8
Scottish newspapers
Housing protestors besiege city chambers
Protestors campaigning against the controversial plans to sell-off Glasgow Council’s housing stock clambered up the wrought iron frontage of the city chambers yesterday. Held to coincide with a full council meeting, representatives of several groups including the Glasgow Campaign to Defend Council Housing, burst through police cordons to make an assault on the main door. The demonstration broke up after 90 minutes and the police made no arrests.
Source:- The Herald Friday 7 September page 2
Parents to face jail for smacking
Parents who smack their children face jail under controversial plans unveiled by the Scottish executive yesterday. Although parents will retain the right to smack older children there will be an absolute ban on smacking children under three years of age. Smacking will be outlawed in nurseries and physical punishment with an object will be outlawed. Critics of the executive claimed they were creating "a nanny state" while child care groups gave the proposals a lukewarm welcome though many expressed disappointment that the proposals do not go further.
Source:- The Scotsman Friday 7 September page 1
Drugs orders extended
Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTO) are to be extended to seven more sheriff courts in Scotland. The DTTOs are used as an alternative to custody where a convicted person admits that a significant addiction problem underlies offending behaviour. Rather than prison, individuals are supervised by social workers through drug rehabilitation, counselling and frequent drugs tests. Already used in Glasgow and Fife, and recently extended to Aberdeen, DTTOs are to be introduced to sheriff courts in Angus, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth and Kinross from Spring 2002.
Source:- The Scotsman Friday 7 September page 6
