Centrepoint has published a series of FAQs to support vulnerable young people who are homeless or facing the risk of being homeless during the coronavirus outbreak. Read the news story here > […]
Coronavirus: care experienced children
The Children’s Commissioner for Wales has recorded a message for care experienced young people on Facebook. The message encourages children and young people to reach out for the help and support they need. View the Facebook message here > […]
Coronavirus: online safety for children
The National Crime Agency (NCA) CEOP command has launched a campaign to help keep children safe online during the coronavirus pandemic. The #OnlineSafetyAtHome campaign contains home activity packs with 15-minute activities for parents and carers to do with their children using CEOP’s Thinkuknow educational resources. New activities will be launched fortnightly. The NCA has warned […]
Coronavirus Act 2020
The Coronavirus Act was passed on the 25 March 2020 to help public bodies across the UK to provide an effective response to tackle the epidemic. The Act makes provision to increase the available health and social care workforce and ease the burden on frontline staff. The House of Commons Library published a series of […]
Being a foster carer during these trying times
By Lisa Scott Being a foster carer has its challenging moments at the best of times. During these unusual circumstances we find ourselves in, I have had to prioritise on food as I have eight mouths to feed, so I have to confess to some bulk buying in recent days as well as educating […]
The Children and Families Minister sends her thanks to the fostering community
This is a very difficult time for all families throughout the country and keeping everyone safe and well is a priority for us all. The decision to introduce unprecedented measures has not been taken lightly and I’m immensely proud at how our fostering community are showing just how resilient and resourceful they are. All across […]
Coronavirus: responding to children’s concerns
Childline has updated its website to include information to support children and young people concerned about coronavirus. The Independent has also published an article on advice from experts about how parents can respond to their children’s concerns about coronavirus. Visit Childline: Worries about the world: coronavirus Read the news article: ‘I went through my 10-year-old’s […]
What is the official advice for education settings including nurseries?
On 18 March, Prime Minister announced schools will close from 20 March until further notice. Early years provision, private schools and sixth form colleges are also expected to follow government advice, the Prime Minister said. Exceptions will be made for the children of key workers during the epidemic including parents in the emergency services and […]
Sibling Assessments in Care and Adoption
Barrister Judith Pepper writes about siblings in care proceedings and adoption in Family Law Week. The article aims to highlight from case law some of the issues that have arisen with poor quality assessments, and considers: the lack of proper sibling assessment at the time when decisions are made; some common errors; that sibling assessments should […]
Always Heard Helpline Funding Extended
Coram Voice reports that the Government has committed to extending funding for Always Heard, the national advocacy helpline for young people, into 2020-21. The helpline was launched in 2017 to provide advocates for children in care, children on the edge of care and care leavers, and has since supported over 16,000 care experienced children and […]