Research suggests that only a tiny fraction of the 100,000 UK under 16s who run away yearly are given emergency shelter by councils.
Nearly two-thirds of the 210 English, Welsh and Scottish councils who
responded to the Railway Children charity survey offered no under-16s
accommodation in the past year. The research found just 157 children were offered this sort of support.
Council leaders acknowledged a shortage of emergency accommodation. However, only about half the local authorities kept figures on how many times such emergency accommodation was used, the study said.
The research was prompted by growing concern about runaway
children. It highlighted how all refuges but one for young children had
closed by this year.
"Inconsistent use of local authority emergency accommodation
was leaving young people without a safe place at the time they need it
most," it said.
More on this story and the full report is available from the Railway Children Charity here.
Showing posts with label young people. Show all posts
Showing posts with label young people. Show all posts
Monday, 8 December 2014
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
New Report Reveals Impact On Young Carers
A staggering 166,363 children in England are caring for their parents, siblings and family members. This is up by a fifth from when the last Census was conducted in 2001.Nearly 15,000 children up to the age of 17 are providing more than 50 hours of care every week.
The Children’s Society’s own analysis also reveals that young carers are one and a half times more likely to have a long-standing illness or disability or special educational need than their peers.
Young carers are lagging behind in school and missing out on their childhoods because of the demands placed on them, according to Hidden from View - released today by The Children’s Society to coincide with census statistics.
Hidden from View analyses government data tracking 15,000 children across England. It reveals the significant long-term impact that caring has on a child’s life, confirming The Children’s Society’s experience of working with young carers and their families throughout England.
Hidden from View findings include:
You can read the full press release here: http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/news-views/press-release/report-reveals-impact-young-carers
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Support For Teens In Care A 'National Scandal'
Children's Minister, Edward Timpson has said that too many teenagers in
England leave care without enough support, ending up in a "trap of
poverty and joblessness".
Mr Timpson's comments come as figures suggest many 16-year-olds leaving care are not in education, work or training by age 19. According to the figures cited by Mr Timpson, more than a third (35%) of children in care leave by the age 16 and, of those, 45% will not be in education, employment or training - so-called Neets - three years later.
Mr Timpson said the "cliff-edge" of leaving care was often too sudden and poorly planned, with many teenagers finding the move "traumatic".
You can read more on this story on the BBC News website here.
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Barnardos Warns Schools Must Tackle The Causes, Not Just The Symptoms Of Unruly Behaviour
Official Department of Education figures, released last week show that pupils with special educational needs are around nine times more likely to be permanently excluded than those with none – up from eight times the previous year.
Barnardos have warned that schools must tackle the causes and not just the symptoms of unruly behaviour. The call comes ahead of a new two part Channel 4 documentary which follows children from one of its specialist schools. The first episode is tonight (Tuesday 31st July) at 10.00 pm on Channel 4.
You can read more about this programme & view some clips on the Channel 4 website here: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/lost-children
Barnardos have warned that schools must tackle the causes and not just the symptoms of unruly behaviour. The call comes ahead of a new two part Channel 4 documentary which follows children from one of its specialist schools. The first episode is tonight (Tuesday 31st July) at 10.00 pm on Channel 4.
You can read more about this programme & view some clips on the Channel 4 website here: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/lost-children
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Free Seminar: A Question of Religion: Young People And Identity In Contemporary Multi-faith Britain
The Centre for Child and Youth Research at Brunel University is holding its
second seminar day on 'A question of religion: young people and identity in contemporary
multi-faith Britain' on Friday 29 June2012. The event is
free and open to all. The programme covers:
- Young British Muslims finding their voice: from alienation to engagement. Dr Philip Lewis, Department of Peace Studies, University of Bradford.
- Young Sikhs. Jasjit Singh, University of Leeds.
- The Youth On Religion project: Young people and the negotiation of identity in three diverse urban locations. Professor Nicola Madge, Centre for Child and Youth Research, Brunel University.
- Growing up with disability in Pakistani Muslim families. Dr Debbie Kramer-Roy, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, Brunel University.
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Qualitative Study Of Children, Young People & Sexting
Jessica Ringrose, Institute of Education, and others for the NSPCC have conducted a small scale qualitative study to improve the understanding of sexting (the “exchange of sexual messages or images” and “creating, sharing and forwarding sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude images”) and the use of mobile technology by young people.
The researchers conducted focus groups with 35 young people aged 12 to 14 years from inner city London schools. Participants were asked to become friends with the research team on Facebook so their activities online could be mapped. The findings reveal that sexting does not refer to a single activity but covers a range of activities experienced by young people. The key messages from the research are: the primary technology-related threat comes from peers, not 'stranger danger'; sexting is often coercive; girls are the most adversely affected; technology amplifies the problem by facilitating the objectification of girls; sexting reveals wider sexual pressures; ever younger children are affected; sexting practices are culturally specific; and more support and resources are vital to redress the gendered sexual pressures on young people.
The report sets out recommendations for schools, parents, internet service and site providers, child welfare professionals and future research and is available to read here: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/resourcesforprofessionals/sexualabuse/sexting-research-report_wdf89269.pdf
The researchers conducted focus groups with 35 young people aged 12 to 14 years from inner city London schools. Participants were asked to become friends with the research team on Facebook so their activities online could be mapped. The findings reveal that sexting does not refer to a single activity but covers a range of activities experienced by young people. The key messages from the research are: the primary technology-related threat comes from peers, not 'stranger danger'; sexting is often coercive; girls are the most adversely affected; technology amplifies the problem by facilitating the objectification of girls; sexting reveals wider sexual pressures; ever younger children are affected; sexting practices are culturally specific; and more support and resources are vital to redress the gendered sexual pressures on young people.
The report sets out recommendations for schools, parents, internet service and site providers, child welfare professionals and future research and is available to read here: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/resourcesforprofessionals/sexualabuse/sexting-research-report_wdf89269.pdf
Report On Youth Offending Work In Bedfordshire
HM Institute of Probation has published an inspection report on youth offending services in Bedfordshire.
The report states: “We found a staff team committed to delivering quality interventions with children and young people, supported by effective partnership working. The areas for improvement are recognised by managers and attention is being paid to provide more consistent oversight of Risk of Harm work. As such, Bedfordshire YOS is in a strong position to build upon the strengths identified by this inspection.”
The report is available to read here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/publications/hmiprob/youth-inspection-reports/core-case/bedfordshire-cci.pdf
The report states: “We found a staff team committed to delivering quality interventions with children and young people, supported by effective partnership working. The areas for improvement are recognised by managers and attention is being paid to provide more consistent oversight of Risk of Harm work. As such, Bedfordshire YOS is in a strong position to build upon the strengths identified by this inspection.”
The report is available to read here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/publications/hmiprob/youth-inspection-reports/core-case/bedfordshire-cci.pdf
Former Young Runaways Shares Their Stories With Minister
Lynne Featherstone, Minister for Equalities and Criminal Information, met with young people who have been supported by the Children’s Society to hear about their experiences of running away and going missing.
She heard about their experiences, and talked to them about how the government was helping young people like them through the missing children and adults strategy (available to download in full here).
Lynne Featherstone said: 'The problem of children going missing is bigger than many people realise, with those aged 15 to 17 most likely to go missing, as well as being at risk of harm and exploitation. 'Hearing the views of children and young people has renewed my determination to ensure we are doing all we can to help and support them.'
The minister heard how two 15-year-old girls succumbed to peer pressure before going missing repeatedly, often feeling scared and vulnerable in some of the situations they found themselves in. However, they were introduced to a Children's Society project via their school, and soon found the impartial support and advice they needed to make the change.
She heard about their experiences, and talked to them about how the government was helping young people like them through the missing children and adults strategy (available to download in full here).
Lynne Featherstone said: 'The problem of children going missing is bigger than many people realise, with those aged 15 to 17 most likely to go missing, as well as being at risk of harm and exploitation. 'Hearing the views of children and young people has renewed my determination to ensure we are doing all we can to help and support them.'
The minister heard how two 15-year-old girls succumbed to peer pressure before going missing repeatedly, often feeling scared and vulnerable in some of the situations they found themselves in. However, they were introduced to a Children's Society project via their school, and soon found the impartial support and advice they needed to make the change.
Monday, 14 May 2012
Therapeutic approaches to social work in residential child care settings
We can open up and talk, rather than closing everything down
Young person in residential child care, Social Care TV film
SCIE’s newly launched report and at a glance briefing, produced in partnership with the Institute of Child Care Research in Belfast, focus on how residential child care staff in Northern Ireland trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches to enhance their practice and relationships with the young people.
Children and young people in care are among the most vulnerable in society. Compared to the looked-after population in general, children in residential child care have some of the highest levels of need, including increased emotional and behavioural difficulties.
What are therapeutic approaches?
Therapeutic approaches describe ways of working in which residential child care workers use a therapeutic perspective in their day-to-day social work with children and young people. This includes having a better understanding of how children’s experiences affect them, considering their emotional needs and fostering resilience.
Key findings from the study included:
• Therapeutic approaches can help residential child care staff to use a therapeutic perspective in their day-to-day work
• The approach is concerned with empowering all staff, not just those with therapeutic qualifications
• Staff reported the approach enhanced the consistency of their practice and their relationships with the young people
• Young people were often not aware that a new approach was being used, but noticed an improved ‘atmosphere’.
A newly launched a Social Care TV film accompanies the report. The film illustrates the impact of the approaches, focusing on the Lakewood Secure Unit in Bangor. Young people in the film say that talking about trauma and sharing stories means that they can “open up and talk, rather than closing everything down”. Training for all staff, including kitchen staff, has helped them to create a calmer, and more positive environment.
Young person in residential child care, Social Care TV film
SCIE’s newly launched report and at a glance briefing, produced in partnership with the Institute of Child Care Research in Belfast, focus on how residential child care staff in Northern Ireland trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches to enhance their practice and relationships with the young people.
Children and young people in care are among the most vulnerable in society. Compared to the looked-after population in general, children in residential child care have some of the highest levels of need, including increased emotional and behavioural difficulties.
What are therapeutic approaches?
Therapeutic approaches describe ways of working in which residential child care workers use a therapeutic perspective in their day-to-day social work with children and young people. This includes having a better understanding of how children’s experiences affect them, considering their emotional needs and fostering resilience.
Key findings from the study included:
• Therapeutic approaches can help residential child care staff to use a therapeutic perspective in their day-to-day work
• The approach is concerned with empowering all staff, not just those with therapeutic qualifications
• Staff reported the approach enhanced the consistency of their practice and their relationships with the young people
• Young people were often not aware that a new approach was being used, but noticed an improved ‘atmosphere’.
A newly launched a Social Care TV film accompanies the report. The film illustrates the impact of the approaches, focusing on the Lakewood Secure Unit in Bangor. Young people in the film say that talking about trauma and sharing stories means that they can “open up and talk, rather than closing everything down”. Training for all staff, including kitchen staff, has helped them to create a calmer, and more positive environment.
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Next Week On Radio 4: Children, Drugs & Alternatives To Custody
Next week on BBC Radio 4:
Monday 14th May, 8.00 pm The Trouble With Kane (1/2). Documentary about a 12 year old cannabis user, one of the first youngsters in Britain to be given intensive family therapy, coupled with intensive home drug-testing, as an alternative to custody.
You can listen to the programme on BBC Radio 4 online (once its been broadcast) at this address: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01hq80p or by any other radio of course!
Monday 14th May, 8.00 pm The Trouble With Kane (1/2). Documentary about a 12 year old cannabis user, one of the first youngsters in Britain to be given intensive family therapy, coupled with intensive home drug-testing, as an alternative to custody.
You can listen to the programme on BBC Radio 4 online (once its been broadcast) at this address: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01hq80p or by any other radio of course!
Response To The Cross-Government Consultation On The Definition Of Domestic Violence
The Office of the Children's Commissioner has published a response to the cross-government consultation on the definition of domestic violence.
The response is based on: Emerging evidence from the Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Gangs and Groups; Research into children’s experience of risk and child protection; Research into the mental health needs of children in the youth justice system; Internal expertise across safeguarding, child abuse, domestic violence, health and serious youth violence, held at the Office of the Children’s Commissioner.
The response is freely available to download here: http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/content/publications/content_568
The response is based on: Emerging evidence from the Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Gangs and Groups; Research into children’s experience of risk and child protection; Research into the mental health needs of children in the youth justice system; Internal expertise across safeguarding, child abuse, domestic violence, health and serious youth violence, held at the Office of the Children’s Commissioner.
The response is freely available to download here: http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/content/publications/content_568
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
After Care: Young People's Views On Leaving Care
A new report from the Children's Rights Director for England and Ofsted looks at the views of 308 care leavers both who have recently left care and those still in care but preparing to leave.
The main messages from care leavers this year were that nearly half of those surveyed felt they left care too early and were not prepared well enough to leave. In total, 46% of care leavers thought they were made to leave care too early. As well as this, 49% thought they had been prepared badly or very badly. Typically young people leave home at around 24 years old, but some care leavers in the survey were leaving care as young as 16.
The full report is available to download here.
The main messages from care leavers this year were that nearly half of those surveyed felt they left care too early and were not prepared well enough to leave. In total, 46% of care leavers thought they were made to leave care too early. As well as this, 49% thought they had been prepared badly or very badly. Typically young people leave home at around 24 years old, but some care leavers in the survey were leaving care as young as 16.
The full report is available to download here.
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