Today: Barnardo's calls for more support for sexually exploited children; DCSF issues statutory guidance on the health and well-being of children in care; London child poverty winners announced and the DCSF publishes a draft commissioning framework on education for 16-19 year olds with learning disabilities and young offenders
- Barnardo's has published a report revealing that, of 209 local authorities and trusts in the UK, only 40 have a specialist service for sexually exploited children and young people. In London alone the charity estimates that 1000 children are at risk of sexual exploitation while one in six have been trafficked within the UK. Barnardo's is calling for this group to be identified in local authority areas and specifically addressed in children's plans.
- The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has issued statutory guidance to local authorities, primary care trusts and strategic health authorities in England on the health and well-being of looked after children. Amongst other things, it states that local authorities should have a system in place to monitor whether the health needs of children placed out-of-authority are being met.
- London Councils' held its child poverty awards last night (Monday 16 Nov). Winner of "superb service" was Newham with its Shelter partnership "Keys to the future" while Tower Hamlets local authority won the "corporate committment" award.
- The government has issued a consultation document on a national commissioning framework for education and training for young people with learning difficulties and young offenders. From April 2010 responsibility for this will pass from the Learning and Skills Council to local authorities.
Leave a comment