News

Anne Van Meeuwen, principal officer in Barnardo’s policy, practice and research unit, died of a heart attack on Sunday at the age of 50.

A former adoption team leader in Newham she joined Barnardo’s in 1994, and became the charity’s advisor on adoption issues.

Over the last two years she has lead a major initiative on children abused through prostitution as part of the "Whose daughter next" campaign.

Ms Van Meeuwen worked with a number of national groups including End Child Prostitution, Pornography and Trafficking (ECPAT) and the coalition on internet safety. She was also a member of the executive committee of the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies and the BAAF advisory group.

Liz Garrett, Barnardo's acting head of policy and research, said: "Anne was someone who was held in the highest regard within Barnardo’s and outside, respected and liked by all with whom she worked.

"Anne’s death is a huge shock and sad loss to us all and our thoughts and feelings are with her husband Rob at this sad time."