| 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) |
| The Scottish Parliament Health and Sport Committee has launched an inquiry into teenage pregnancy. It will examine whether current actions are enough to reduce teenage pregnancy over the long-term. It will also evaluate support available to girls at risk of pregnancy as well as to young mothers. The committee has issued a call for evidence and the deadline for responses in 7 February. |
| Source: Scottish Parliament 07 January 2013 |
| The Department of Education has launched a consultation on local authority responsibilities towardschildren looked after following remand. Views are sought on proposals to amend the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 to take into account circumstances of children who have been remanded into local authority or youth detention accommodation. Closing date is 6 February 2013. |
| Source: Department for Education 09 January 2013 |
| Further information: Local authority responsibilities towards children looked after following remand: consultation on changes to the Care Planning, Placement and Care Review Regulations 2010 (PDF version) |
| The Department for Education has produced a map for potential adopters highlighting the number of children waiting to be adopted in each local authority area in England. From Friday 11 January 2013, would-be adopters can access a new mapshowing the areas with the highest number of children waiting for new homes. The map shows the number of children in each local authority waiting for a family to adopt them, showing potential adopters how many children are waiting in their area and elsewhere. Additional information can be found on our adoption scorecards page. |
| Source: Department for Education 11 January 2013 |
| The Education Minister in Wales has launched a smartphone app offering information, advice and guidance to young people. The app, managed by SNAP Cymru, targets 11-to 25-year-olds, and will provide information on a range of issues including bullying and young people’s rights. |
| Source: Welsh Assembly Government 10 January 2013 |
