Mother of autistic boy wins landmark housing ruling

Mother of autistic boy wins landmark housing ruling
The mother of an autistic boy in has won a landmark discrimination case against her local authority after fighting for six years. She was awarded £4,300, and the authority, which cannot be named, was ordered to put into writing its policy on the disabled person’s alteration scheme. The mother was represented by the Equality Authority in Ireland.
Source:- The Independent, Friday 11 May 2007, page 26

Why our toddlers will take lessons in talking
The government has backed a scheme to improve verbal communication among young children, amid evidence that increasing numbers of children are reaching school age with impoverished communication skills. Children’s minister Beverley Hughes yesterday said the “early talk” scheme, promoted by charity I CAN, would be used in 200 Sure Start children’s centres.
Source:- Daily Mail, Friday 11 May 2007, page 36

Social workers missed opportunities to intervene over starved baby
Social workers and health visitors missed numerous opportunities to intervene to save an 11-month-old girl who was starved to death by her parents, an independent report concluded. Kimberley Baker weighed 4.5kg when she was found dead in her cot in Swindon, Wiltshire in 2005.
Source:- The Times, Friday 11 May 2007, page 4

Alcohol at home can cut teenage binge drinking
Teenagers who drink alcohol with their parents are less likely to binge drink, according to a survey of 10,000 children which backs the continental style of introducing teenagers to small amounts of alcohol early.
Source:- The Guardian, Friday 11 May 2007, page 11

Huntley to face new sex trial
Soham murderer could face a new criminal investigation, into sexually assaulting an 11-year-old 10 years ago. Hailey Giblin, now 21, took out a civil action against Huntley which resulted in him admitting the attack, prompting Humberside Police to say it would reconsider a criminal investigation.
Source:- The Daily Mirror, Friday 11 May 2007, page 20
 
JPs share judges’ ministry concerns
Magistrates have thrown their weight behind the judges’ calls for constitutional safeguards before they back the new Ministry of Justice.
Source:- The Times, Friday 11 May 2007, page 4

Teacher jailed for abusing young girls
A supply teacher who groomed under-age girls on the internet and then filmed himself having sex with them was jailed for six years yesterday.
Source:- The Times, Friday 11 May 2007, page 27

Scottish news
 
New provost for Glasgow as executive picked
A former senior social worker will become the new lord provost of Glasgow.
Bob Winter, the former director of social work at Strathclyde Council and trustee of Greater Glasgow Primary Care Trust, won by 30 votes to 13.
Winter will not be officially appointed until the first full council meeting scheduled for next Thursday.
Source:- The Herald, Friday 11 May 2007