Concern raised over training in children’s homes

Lord Filkin, parliamentary under secretary of state for children
and families, indicated today that he is concerned about the
standard of staff training in some children’s homes,
writes Amy Taylor.

Speaking at a the launch of a manifesto for children, written by
a coalition of children’s charities, Filkin said that he was
looking at staff training in children’s homes and told his
audience that they could “read between the lines” as to
why this was.

Annette Brooke MP, Liberal Democrats spokesperson for children,
who was also at the launch, said that the government needed to
launch a strategy on private children’s homes.

The manifesto for children contains a series of recommendations
concerning areas where the charities claim children’s rights
are being breached, based on the standards set up by the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The recommendations include ensuring that children that are in
trouble with the law are treated as children in need of protection
and support and for priority to be given to raising the educational
attainment of looked-after children.

A survey, also launched at the event and carried out by the
coalition, found that nine out of 10 people think vulnerable
children should be an election priority.

The coalition is made up of Barnardo’s, NSPCC, The
Children’s Society, NCH and Save the Children.

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