| The Minister for Youth Justice, Jeremy Wright, MP, has disclosed that, between September 2010 and December 2012, out of a total of 41,038, there were 26,624 breaches of juvenile orders for electronically monitored curfews. The 65% rate is a higher proportion than previously estimated. |
| Source: Hansard Col. 548 – 550W 10 January 2013 |
| Further information: Telegraph |
| The Department for Education is consulting on proposals enabling local authorities to delegate some decision making functions and tasks relating to children in care to external providers. The law allowing them to do this expires in November 2013, but these proposals will enable them to continue to do so, and will give all local authorities greater flexibility in looking after children in their care. |
| Source: Department for Education 14 January 2013 |
| Further information: Consultation on changes to the delegation and inspection of functions for looked after children and care leavers (PDF version) |
| The Scottish Government has published practice guidelines to inform frontline practitioners responsible for protecting children and adults from the abuse associated with forced marriage. This includes: background information and facts on forced marriage; a checklist of actions to take and avoid in all cases; the legal context and remedies; and service specific information. |
| Source: Scottish Government 14 January 2013 |
| Further information: Responding to forced marriage: multi-agency practice guidelines (PDF version) |
| A review of the literature on bullying in US schools and how a parent-educator partnership can be an effective way to handle bullying. |
| Summary: Literature review on state and federal laws pertaining to bullying and the long-term effects of being a bully in schools in the US. Also looks at physical bullying, verbal bullying, bullying in relationships, bullying through social aggression and cyberbullying. Focuses on the emotional and physical behaviour of the bully, the passive victim, the bully victim and the bystander. Emphasises the importance of parents and educators/teachers working together in partnership on zero-tolerance of bullying. |
| Publication details: Journal of Aggression Maltreatment and Trauma (Vol.21, Iss.4) May-June 2012 pp 440-458 |
| Authors: Karin Jordan and James Austin |
| Corporate authors |
| The European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) opened on 11 January at the European Police Office in the Hague. Its remit is to investigate the illegal online activities of organised crime groups including online child sexual exploitation. |
| Source: European Union Press Release 10 January 2013 |
| Ofsted has published a suite of good practice resources to support those working in services for children and families. These include one highlighting the use of case audits to improve practice in Halton Borough Council; and another outlining the work of Kensington Children’s Centre in reaching families most in need of intervention and support. |
| Source: Ofsted Press Release 07 January 2013 |
| Further information: Good practice resource – improving the quality of practice through case audit: Halton Borough Council (PDF version) |
| Good practice resource – Supporting the ‘hard to reach’: Kensington Children’s Centre |
| Good practice resource – Excellent assessment, intervention and contact work leading to positive change: Eva Armsby Family Centre |
| Good practice resource – Mutual trust and support: East Hastings Children’s Centre |
| Good practice resource – Improving outcomes for looked after children and care leavers: London Borough of Ealing |
| The Government has published the Mid-Term Review of progress towards implementing the coalition agreement signed in May 2010. Key policies still to be implemented include: revised statutory guidance on child protection; reform of family law to reduce delays in care proceedings; ensuring 4200 extra health visitors are in post by April 2015. |
| Source: Cabinet Office Press Release 07 January 2013 |
| Further information: The Coalition: together in the national interest (PDF version) |
| Cafcass has released December 2012 statistics for care applications. The figure of 847 applications is a 4.3% increase on December 2011 levels. Between April and December 2012 Cafcass received a total of 8,135 applications. This figure is 8% higher when compared to the same period last year. |
| Source: Cafcass 09 January 2013 |
| The Ministry of Justice is consulting on reforms aimed at tackling re-offending. Proposals include: mandatory supervision and tailored rehabilitation for all offenders on release from prison; opening up rehabilitation services to private and voluntary sector providers. |
| Source: Ministry of Justice press release 09 January 2013 |
| Further information: Transforming rehabilitation: a revolution in the way we manage offenders |
| The Metropolitan Police Service and the NSPCC have published their joint report into sexual allegations made against Jimmy Savile. Detailing the work of Operation Yewtree, key figures include: 600 people came forward with information, 450 relating to Jimmy Savile; 214 criminal offences have been recorded against 28 police forces; of his victims, 73% were children under 18. |
| Source: Metropolitan Police 11 January 2013 |
| Further information: Giving victims a voice: joint report into sexual allegations made against Jimmy Savile (PDF version) |
