Average duration of care proceedings in Jan-March 2014 was 33 weeks
The Cafcass Annual Report and Accounts 2013/14 demonstrates the progress that has been made in reducing the duration of care proceedings to a 26 weeks target. The report states that in the last quarter of the year, eight out of 40 Designated Family Judge (DFJ) areas were already completing applications in less than the 26 [...]
In 2013/14 almost 20,000 more parents went to court....
In 2013/14 almost 20,000 more parents went to court without a lawyer, according to government figures released as a consequence of a Freedom of Information request. The rise in unrepresented parents contesting child contact and residence cases follows the withdrawal of legal aid from family lawyers in April 2013 for most private family law matters. [...]
All looked-after children should have right to stay in care until 21...
All looked-after young people should have the right to stay in care until they are 21, while using bed and breakfast accommodation to house care leavers should be banned. No young adults should be forced to leave care before 21 and only be provided with regulated accommodation, says education committee
These are [...]
Extend Staying Put rights to children's homes, say MPs
Staying Put legislation should be extended into children’s homes as part of sweeping changes needed to improve post-16 support for looked-after young people, MPs have said.
The education select committee has concluded that allowing looked-after children the right to remain in their care placement until the age of 21 is "inequitable" as it only applies to [...]
Child sexual abuse costs UK economy £3bn per year, finds NSPCC
Child sexual abuse costs the UK economy more than £3bn every year, according to new research published by the NSPCC. Charity hopes awareness of 'multi-billion pound problem' will help start a dialogue with government over preventative care.
In the first study of its kind, the charity found costs to the labour market – through victims’ [...]
Failing care services to be put in special measures
Model to improve failing NHS trusts will be extended to social care. Failing care services to be put in special measures
Failing care services will be tackled through the same special measures used to improve poor-performing hospitals, health secretary Jeremy Hunt announced today.
The system of special measures, introduced in 11 NHS Trusts following the Mid-Staffordshire hospital [...]
