Child protection enquiries rise by 125% in a decade
The number of child protection enquiries to local authority children’s services departments has increased by 125% over the last 10 years, a parliamentary research briefing has shown.
Department for Education (DfE) data on local authority social care activity between 31 March 2010 and 2020 showed an increase in activity across a range of measures including the [...]
Cafcass launches NQSW programme
A three-year course for newly qualified social workers has been launched by Cafcass and is now open for applications.
Overseen by the Cafcass Social Work Academy, the programme enables NQSWs to develop their practice in a safe environment. Led by expert social workers, the course supports NQSW’s in their journey, enhance their expertise [...]
Change in leadership at children’s services at lowest level for 10 years
The number of local authorities experiencing a change in Director of Children’s Services over the last year has fallen dramatically.
Of the 151 upper tier local authorities in England, just 39 experienced a change in their children’s services leader meaning that 77% of authorities did not experience a change in DCS between April 2020 and March [...]
Research: Teens’ engagement with technology ‘does not increase mental health problems’
There is little evidence to suggest that teenagers’ engagement with technology affects their mental health, a study by Oxford University researchers found.
The Oxford Internet Institute study explored the links between social media use and depression, emotional problems and conduct problems among 10-15 year-olds. Researchers also examined the associations between television viewing and suicidality as well [...]
Better understanding needed of traumatic bereavement
There needs to be a greater understanding of traumatic bereavement, both now, and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, charities have warned.
The UK Trauma Council, along with Child Bereavement UK, Winston’s Wish and the Childhood Bereavement Network, highlighted that there have been more than 120,000 deaths in the UK as a result of COVID-19. As a result, [...]
Calls to NSPCC helpline soar during lockdown
Children’s charity the NSPCC has seen a record number of adults contact its helpline during the last year as callers reported concerns about the health and behaviour of parents.
The charity’s helpline service received nearly 85,000 contacts between April 2020 and March 2021, a 23% increase on the previous year. Out of these calls, 47% led [...]
