Crisis has published a report calling for better protection for homeless young people

Crisis has published a report calling for better protection for homeless young people. Findings include: the biggest cause of homelessness for young people is being told to leave home by their parents; other causes include leaving care and being unable to pay rent; 30% of homeless young people have been in care; 40% have experienced abuse at home; and many go to desperate measures to avoid sleeping rough, including committing crimes or resorting to sex work.
Source: Crisis press release 31 May 2012
Further information:
Children & Young People Now 28 May 2012

The Criminal Records Bureau has announced that strengthened identity checks

The Criminal Records Bureau has announced that strengthened identity checks are now in place as of 28 May 2012. The number of documents accepted for identity verification has been reduced, with only those that involve tighter checks with the document issuer (such as a passport or driving licence) being accepted.
Source: Home Office Press Release 28 May 2012

Child rape case prompts demands for action on pornography access

Child rape case prompts demands for action on pornography access

A campaign group has called for action to prevent children accessing pornography in light of the case of a boy in Scotland who raped a girl after viewing explicit content.

The 14-year-old boy, who was 12 at the time of the incident, was spared a custodial sentence after raping and sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl.

Instead his case has been sent to a children’s panel, which will keep him under continued supervision and provide him with support and advice, including how to handle relationships and sexual development.

The boy