Delays in care proceedings likely to continue
There is unlikely to be an improvement in the average length of time for care proceedings until courts are fully open and operation, children’s services directors have warned.
The Association of Directors of Children’s Services warns that the 26 week deadline will likely not be met in cases until courts are operating as they were [...]
Over 95% young people say mental ill health has affected their school work
Ninety six per cent of young people have reported that their mental health has affected their school work at some point, according to a survey by mental health charity Mind.
The charity has carried out an inquiry into secondary education and mental health which concluded that too many young people in secondary schools across England [...]
Councils fear £1.3bn SEND deficit
A spiralling deficit for special educational needs services is set to grow to an ‘unmanageable’ £1.3bn in just two years’ time and needs to be addressed, councils have warned.
The County Councils Network and the Society of County Treasurers has compiled a survey which found that in 40 authorities in county areas, their high-needs deficits [...]
New tool helps young people remove naked photographs of them shared online
The Internet Watch Foundation and Childline have launched an online tool to help young people remove naked images of themselves from the internet.
There are many reasons as to why a young person may share a naked picture of themselves, including sharing with a partner who has then shown other people or where grooming and/or [...]
Average time for care and supervision case at nine-year high
The average time for a care and supervision case to reach first disposal is at the highest point in nine years, Ministry of Justice figures have shown.
Between January and March 2021, the average time for a care and supervision case to reach first disposal was 43 weeks, up 8 weeks from the same quarter [...]
Police praised for response to domestic abuse in lockdown but Refuge raises concerns over fewer charges
The police have been praised by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services for responding proactively to prevent domestic abuse and protect victims during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID and subsequent lockdowns had placed domestic abuse victims at great risk, the HMICFRS said, but praised police forces for working proactively with partners to [...]
