The Department for Education has announced plans to help young people set up online advice networks and workshops so they can offer peer support on mental health issues. The government is consulting on how to help young people give each other appropriate advice and support in a safe manner. |
Source: Department for Education 17 February 2016 |
Further information: Children and young people’s mental health: peer support |
Monthly Archives: February 2016
Cafcass care application statistics for England
Cafcass has published its monthly care application statistics for England. In January 2016, Cafcass received a total of 1,040 care applications, a 16% increase compared to those received in January 2015. |
Source: Cafcass 11 February 2016 |
The role of Children’s Commissioner for Wales (CCfW)
The Welsh Government has published its respones to an independent review of the role of Children’s Commissioner for Wales (CCfW). The report responds to the review’s recommendations and sets out changes that will be made to support the Commissioner’s role. |
Source: Welsh Government 08 February 2016 |
Further information: Response to the independent review of the role and functions of the Children’s Commissioner for Wales (PDF). |
Statistics on care leavers in unsuitable accommodation in England
The Minister for Schools, Edward Timpson, has released statistics on care leavers in unsuitable accommodation in England. The data, which was provided in response to a written question, shows that in 2015 1,840 care leavers were living in accommodation that was considered unsuitable. |
Source: Children & Young People Now 11 February 2016 |
Further information: theyworkforyou.com 05 February 2016 |
updated figures on deported unaccompanied asylum seeking children
The Minister for Security and Immigration has provided updated figures on deported unaccompanied asylum seeking children. The figures, which were provided in response to a written question, show that 3,750 children were returned to Afghanistan, Albania, Iran, Iraq, Libya or Syria between 2007 and 2015. |
Source: Theyworkforyou.com |
The NSPCC has launched a government funded Whistleblowing Advice Line
The NSPCC has launched a government funded Whistleblowing Advice Line. This will take calls from professionals from any sector who are worried about the way their, or another, organisation is dealing with child protection issues. Employees who don’t feel able to escalate these issues internally can contact the service, as well as those who have been unsuccessful in doing so. It can be reached for free on 0800 028 0285 and can be contacted anonymously. |
Source: NSPCC Website 13 February 2016 |
The number of under-18s diagnosed with mental illness has more than doubled in five years
The number of under-18s diagnosed with mental illness has more than doubled in five years, figures have revealed.
The Independent reports that the number of children and young people that went to A&E and were diagnosed has grown to almost 15,000 in 2014/15 – up from just under 7,000 in 2010/11.
Source: CYPNow Online
Teacher shortages are growing in England and government recruitment targets have been missed for four years
Teacher shortages are growing in England and government recruitment targets have been missed for four years, a report by the National Audit Office has concluded.
The BBC reports that the official spending watchdog warns that shortages are particularly bad in poorer areas and at secondary school level despite the overall number of teachers keeping pace with rising pupil numbers.
Source: CYPNow Online
1,040 applications for children to be taken into care
A total of 1,040 applications for children to be taken into care were made to the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service in January 2016, statistics show. The figure represents a 16 per cent increase on the same month last year, when a total of 893 care applications were made.
Source: CYPnow –