Child arrests in England and Wales 2015: research briefing.

Summary: Briefing paper analysing freedom of information data from 43 police service areas in England and Wales and the British Transport Police. Finds that there were 101,926 child arrests in England and Wales in 2015, a reduction of 59 per cent since 2010; every force in England and Wales has reduced the number of child arrests between 2010 and 2015, with Humberside Police achieving a 77 per cent reduction; arrests of girls have fallen at a faster rate than that of boys. Outlines areas of best practice which have led to these reductions including a case study of Humberside Police.
Publication details: London: Howard League for Penal Reform, 2016
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Source: NSPCC

Lessons from serious case reviews: paediatrics and A&E care.

Authors: NSPCC
Format: Article
Summary: Summarises findings from an NSPCC analysis of serious case reviews, published between 2013-2015, highlighting key lessons for paediatrics and accident and emergency teams to improve safeguarding practice. Includes the need for medical staff to be able to recognise signs of child abuse and neglect and be clear about what action to take if they are worried.
Source: NSPCC

Sexual harassment and sexual violence in schools: third report of session 2016–17.

Authors: House of Commons. Women and Equalities Committee
Format: Online report
Summary: Presents findings of an inquiry into sexual harassment and sexual violence in schools across England. Data submitted to the inquiry indicates that 71 per cent of all 16-18-year-olds say they hear sexual name-calling used towards girls at schools on a daily basis or a few times a week. Emphasises that boys and young men should not be demonised as perpetrators of sexual harassment and sexual violence, and highlights the need for sex and relationships education. Recommends that the government should provide guidance and training for schools and teachers.
Publication details: [London]: House of Commons, 2016
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Film about child sexual exploitation

Fixers has published a short film, created by teenagers, about what child sexual exploitation means and the ways that children and young people can get caught up in it. Advice is also offered about where they can get help if they need it.

Source: Fixers  Date: 01 December 2016

Further information: Child sexual exploitation

Increasing the capacity and diversity of children’s social care services in England

The Department for Education (DfE) has published an independent report on the potential for increasing the capacity and diversity of children’s social care services in England, and the government’s response to the report.

Source: DfE  Date: 01 December 2016

Further information: The potential for developing the capacity and diversity of children’s social care services in England: independent research report (PDF)

Government response to LaingBuisson’s report on the potential for developing the capacity and diversity of children’s social care services in England (PDF)

Minimum age of criminal responsibility in Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced plans to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 8 to 12. They intend to implement the change in time for Scotland’s Year of Young People in 2018.

Source: Scottish Government  Date: 01 December 2016

Updates to information about female genital mutilation

The Home Office has made updates to its documents about female genital mutilation (FGM). These include: the statement opposing FGM; the procedural information for mandatory reporting of female genital mutilation; the factsheet on FGM protection orders.

Source: Home Office  Date: 01 December 2016

Further information: Statement opposing female genital mutilation

Mandatory reporting of female genital mutilation: procedural information

FGM protection orders: factsheet

Attendance Guidance – November 2016 (DfE)

The Department for Education have published a new version of their non-statutory guidance ‘School Attendance’.

The latest version aims reflect the changes in ’Keeping Children Safe in Education’ around Children Missing Education to ensure consistency.

Download here: Attendance Guidance – November 2016

The BBC published an article this week, ‘How do you talk to your children about sexual abuse?’ which is a good summary of the different ways parents can have conversations about keeping safe with their children.

It’s certainly a link worth sharing with parents:
How do you talk to your children about sexual abuse?

Family hubs

The Children’s Commissioner for England has published a discussion paper on the use of family hubs to deliver early intervention services to the whole community. Key points include: family hubs should be a one-stop-shop offering support on a variety of issues to vulnerable families; a thorough evaluation of existing family hubs has not been possible as they have only been in place since April 2015 but initial figures are promising.

Source: Children’s Commissioner for England  Date: 28 October 2016

Further information: Family hubs: a discussion paper: co-ordinated local support and intervention for children in need and their families (PDF)