| Ministry of Justice figures show that the number of young people convicted for an offence for the first time is falling. A total of 21,016 under-18s were convicted for a first time offence throughout 2014. The figure was 23,537 for 2013. This represents a drop of 10.7%. |
| Source: Criminal justice system statistics quarterly: December 2014
Source: CASPAR |
200% increase in counselling sessions about exam stress last year
| ChildLine has reported a 200% increase in counselling sessions about exam stress last year. For the first time ever worries about school and education have emerged as a top concern for children and young people contacting ChildLine in 2013/14. |
| Source: NSPCC Press Release 14 May 2015 |
Barnardo’s Cymru in conjunction with the Welsh Government has launched a bilingual guide for young people about keeping themselves safe from child sexual exploitation.
| Barnardo’s Cymru in conjunction with the Welsh Government has launched a bilingual guide for young people about keeping themselves safe from child sexual exploitation. |
| Source: Care appointments 19 May 2015 |
| Further information: Sexual exploitation: sex, secrets and lies: your guide (PDF) |
new figures collated by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), since September 2014 3963 new cases of FGM
| Children and Young People Now reports that according to new figures collated by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), since September 2014 3963 new cases of female genital mutilation have been indentified, but just 60 (or 1.51%) of these cases involved under-18s. This has prompted fears that families are adopting new tactics to avoid detection. The NSPCC has noted emerging anecdotal evidence that children are undergoing the procedure at a younger age, making it harder for them to speak up about it. |
| Source: Children & Young People Now 06 May 2015 |
| Further information: Female genital mutilation (FGM) – March 2015, experimental statistics (PDF) Source: CASPAR |
TACT has published their 2015 survey of children in care
| TACT has published their 2015 survey of children in care. Findings include: of the 84 children interviewed, 84% felt that being in care was the right thing for them now, compared to 62% who thought going into care was the best option for them at the time. |
| Source: TACT 08 May 2015 |
| Further information: What young people think… and why it’s important to us (PDF) Source: CASPAR |
Will it soon be a criminal offence for social workers, teachers and others not to report suspicions of child abuse
| Before the general election, David Cameron announced proposals to make it a criminal offence for social workers, teachers and others not to report suspicions of child abuse. In an article in the Guardian, experts give their views on the pros and cons of making child abuse reporting compulsory. |
| Source: Guardian 07 May 2015
Source: CASPAR |
DOH advice for professionals on identifying and responding to child abuse
| The Department for Education has published new advice for professionals on identifying and responding to child abuse. It replaces the previous version of ‘What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused’ (2006). |
| Source: Department for Education 26 March 2015 |
| Further information: What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused: advice for practitioners (PDF). |
Source: CASPAR
DOH advice for safeguarding professionals on information sharing
| The Department for Education has published advice for safeguarding professionals on information sharing. The advice explains relevant legislation and includes key principles and practicalities of sharing personal information . This advice replaces ‘Information sharing: guidance for practitioners and managers’ (2008). |
| Source: Department for Education 26 March 2015 |
| Further information: Information sharing: advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services (PDF). |
Source: CASPAR
Keeping Children safe in Education March 2015 Guidance
| The Department for Education has published new guidance for schools and colleges on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. It replaces the 2014 guidance. |
| Source: Department for Education 26 March 2015 |
| Further information: Keeping children safe in education: statutory guidance for schools and colleges (PDF). |
Source: CASPAR
The Home Office has published guidance on adolescent to parent violence and abuse
| The Home Office has published guidance on adolescent to parent violence and abuse (APVA). Issues covered include: safeguarding, risk assessment with young people and safety planning. Specific advice is included for professionals in: healthcare, education, social care, housing, police and youth justice. |
| Source: Home Office website 30 March 2015 |
| Further information: Information guide: adolescent to parent violence and abuse (APVA) (PDF). |
Source: CASPAR