02/04/2026: Com Networks – Inflicting harm and committing a range of criminality.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has issued a high-level warning regarding sadistic online communities that are accessible in the UK. They refer to seemingly innocent online community networks, but can cause immense harm both online and offline, including physical, sexual and financial crimes.
Known as a Com Network (Community Network), these exclusive digital clubs operate on the fringes of mainstream platforms. Largely composed of teenage boys, these groups often move from mainstream social media (Facebook, Snapchat etc), gaming networks (E.g. Roblox) or other public forums to private group chats on platforms like Discord, Telegram or Instagram.
24/03/2026: QR codes to Drugs sites
DC Nick Burnett from our Serious Crime Unit appeared on BBC Crimewatch Live to explain how QR codes stuck on lamp posts, bus stops and other street furniture are used to target the sale of illegal harmful drugs at children and young people, especially if they are found near schools.
The QR codes feature bright eye-catching graphics designs, and the social media sites they lead to are designed to appeal to youngsters.
21/04/2026: Children’s social care reforms must be fully implemented by March 2027, says DfE
Department sets deadline for councils and fellow safeguarding partners to fully roll out family help services, multi-agency child protection teams and family group decision making, under Families First Partnership programme reforms
20/04/2026: Nearly fivefold increase in children in unregulated social care settings in England
Vulnerable children being placed in caravans and Airbnbs when Ofsted-inspected homes cannot be found.
20/04/2026: ‘It’s soul-destroying’: struggle to house vulnerable children can leave breaking law as only option
Social workers in England say they often have no choice but to place children in unregistered settings because no one else will take them.
17/04/2026: Charity aims to grow participation among disadvantaged young people
Youth charity the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award wants to double the number of disadvantaged young people participating in the programme over the next five years.
16/04/2026: Ashley John-Baptiste to lead review of care leaver deaths
The Department for Education has appointed care-experienced broadcaster, Ashley John-Baptiste to lead a review into the deaths of vulnerable young people leaving the care system.
15/04/2026: ADCS president pledges to prioritise adolescent safeguarding gap
The new president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) has pledged to put adolescence at the centre of her tenure, warning that the current system is not keeping pace with the realities of young people’s lives.