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Latest news

‘Alarm bells’ over private equity foster care firms, councils warn (27/08/2019)
Private equity firms buying up small agencies have “set off alarm bells” within England’s foster care system, the Local Government Association says. Three . . . groups account for 45% of funds spent on independent fostering by English councils, according to new analysis. The LGA said councils worry about what could happen if one group failed.
BBC
Brexit uncertainty puts children’s social care services at risk, MPs warn (23/08/2019)
The postponement of a three-year funding settlement for local authorities due to uncertainty over Brexit could result in councils unnecessarily cutting back on . . . services supporting vulnerable children and families, MPs have warned. An inquiry by the housing, communities and local government select committee into local government finance and the 2019 Spending Review concluded that “current uncertainty for local government and the lack of funding for services must be addressed as a matter of urgency”.
Children and Young People Now
Shipping containers used to house homeless children (21/08/2019)
More than 210,000 children are estimated to be homeless, with some being temporarily housed in converted shipping containers, a report says. The Children’s . . . Commissioner for England says that as well as the 124,000 children officially homeless, a further 90,000 are estimated to be “sofa-surfing”. Her report tells of families housed in repurposed shipping containers and office blocks, and whole families living in tiny spaces.
BBC
Being homeless at 14 was terrifying, says Bridgend teenager (21/08/2019)
When Daniel Mayne found himself homeless at the age of 14 he admits he was “terrified”. Home had become a place where he no longer felt safe after his . . . relationship with his parents broke down. But now, aged 18, he is looking for a job after finishing college and has found more security after a charity helped him find somewhere to live.
BBC
Curfews for young people planned in bid to tackle knife crime (21/08/2019)
Curfews could be imposed on young people to steer them away from knife crime, under government proposals. The Home Office’s planned knife crime prevention . . . orders (KCPOs) can be imposed on any person aged 12 or over if police believe they are carrying a knife and also on those who have a previous conviction for a knife crime. The government has stressed that the orders, through May this year’s Offensive Weapons Act, are aimed at preventing knife crime and are not a punishment.
Children and Young People Now
More schoolchildren ‘rejecting cigarettes’ (20/08/2019)
Secondary-school pupils in England appear to be rejecting cigarettes in greater numbers than ever before. The most recent survey in a series that began in the . . . 1980s indicates just 16% of the pupils have ever smoked tobacco, down from 19% in 2016 and 49% in 1996. However, a quarter of the 13,000 pupils surveyed, from 193 schools across England, have tried drugs.
BBC
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Events

25/09/2019 : Child protection training – group 2 awareness in safeguarding
The 100 Club, Exeter |  £25.00 for VOYC members | Details

04/10/2019 : Child Protection Training – Group 3 (Designated Safeguarding Officer)
YFC Centre, Cheriton Bishop |  £75.00 for VOYC members | Details

14/10/2019 : Mental Health Awareness Training Workshop for people who teach, work with, care for or live with young people
The 100 Club, Exeter |  £25.00 for VOYC members | Details

Publications

Online Harms White Paper
Source: View document (PDF)

2018 Annual Report – Internet Watch Foundation
Source: View document (PDF)

Language that cares – Changing the way professionals talk about Children in Care
Source: View document (PDF)

Links

CAP UK – Child Assault Prevention
https://safestrongfree.org.uk/

College of Policing – Authorised Professional Practice
https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/

Be internet Legends
https://parentzone.org.uk/legendshome

Online Safety

Digital Safety Newsletters

Download and read our latest online safety newsletters for professionals and parents. With the latest information and guidance from across the online world, you will find plenty to read. You can also sign up to our regular newsletters here.

Spring 2019

Professional’s newsletter
Parent’s newsletter

App/Game Database

Find information about the games being played and apps being used by children and young people.

FILTER: App/Game