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On our own two feet: the case for a savings account scheme for looked after children
- Authors:
- BARNARDO's, ACTION FOR CHILDREN
- Publishers:
- Barnardo's, Action for Children
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 19p.
- Place of publication:
- London
The Child Trust Fund provided an asset-based savings account for all children born between September 2002 and January 2011. For looked after children, this account was guaranteed and included additional annual contributions. This will be replaced by a junior Individual Savings Account (ISA), available to all children by autumn 2011, on a voluntary basis and with no government contribution. This document argues that, as the corporate parent for looked after children, the government has a responsibility to pay into savings accounts for these children in the same way that they hope other parents will do for their children. It calls on HM Treasury to provide an estimated £6.6 million to establish savings accounts for looked after children. These savings accounts would provide a financial asset available to the young person on leaving care, additional to existing leaving care support. An asset-based savings account scheme will provide practical help to looked after children and care leavers, offering an opportunity for financial education and responsibility. It will help young people to make positive choices about their future and to succeed in education and training. Vitally, it also will provide a much-needed financial safety net for those leaving care.
Cutting them free: how is the UK progressing in protecting its children from sexual exploitation?
- Author:
- BARNARDO's
- Publisher:
- Barnardo's
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 17p.
- Place of publication:
- Ilford
At the start of 2011, the ‘Cut them free’ campaign was launched to call on the Government and local authorities to take action to protect vulnerable young people and children. This report sets out where there has been progress made in policy and practice over 2011, and to highlight how much still needs to be done. It draws on the findings of Barnardo’s annual survey of its 21 child sexual exploitation services across the UK. The survey findings show that the number of sexually exploited children using the services has grown by 8.4% to 1,190. Despite this, awareness-raising work has reduced by 30% due to funding cuts. Organised exploitation and internal trafficking of children within the UK is still a big concern; 1 in 6 service users have been moved from town to town and city to city. One in 10 of the service users are boys. The research also shows that 44% of the children using the services have gone missing from home or care in the past. The report goes on to outline the progress made in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and to consider in further detail how far the campaign calls have been met in England. Recommendations are provided to maintain momentum and ensure change.
Puppet on a string: the urgent need to cut children free from sexual exploitation
- Author:
- BARNARDO's
- Publisher:
- Barnardo's
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 28p.
- Place of publication:
- Ilford
This report outlines what is known about the scale and nature of sexual exploitation and provides evidence to some worrying developing trends. It explains that the problem is widespread and that the grooming of children for sexual exploitation is becoming more sophisticated. Surveys of Barnardo’s 22 sexual exploitation services in the UK show that the number of young people intensively supported by the services has risen from 1,059 in 2008/9 to 1,098 in 2009/10. The 2009/10 survey also highlighted the following trends: young people being moved or ‘trafficked’; grooming using the internet and mobile technology; younger children at increasing risk; and peer exploitation. The report argues that we are yet to see the major step change in policy and practice that is needed to recognise sexual exploitation as a pervasive form of abuse from which all children are at risk. This report calls on the Secretary of State for Education to take the lead in ensuring a fundamental shift in policy, practice and service delivery in England. It sets out a plan of action for all agencies to: raise awareness to improve early identification of child sexual exploitation; improve statutory responses and the provision of services; improve the evidence; and improve prosecution procedures.
Still our children: case for reforming the leaving care system in England: briefing for House of Commons Report Stage of the Children and Families Bill
- Author:
- BARNARDO's
- Publisher:
- Barnardo's
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 18
- Place of publication:
- Ilford
A number of voluntary and community sector organisations deeply concerned with the current state of leaving care provision in England have formed a coalition. They welcome the positive changes introduced in the Children and Young Persons Act 2008 and revised statutory guidance on planning transition to adulthood, but believe that there is a strong case that the whole system of leaving care requires urgent reform. The briefing sets out the case for reform; and details a number of amendments to the Children and Families Bill that would serve to improve outcomes for looked after children. it sets out a broader vision for reforming leaving care beyond the Bill, including actions for central government, local authorities and charities Appendices include cost comparison case studies of a poor care journey and a well planned care journey; and a proposal for a new model of providing support and assistance for young people leaving care. (Edited publisher abstract)
Every child matters: response from children, young people and families who use Barnardo's services
- Author:
- BARNARDO's
- Publisher:
- Barnardo's
- Publication year:
- 2003
- Pagination:
- 31p.
- Place of publication:
- Ilford
Response to the government's 'Every child matters'. The Green Paper focuses action on four main areas: supporting parents and carers; early intervention and effective protection; accountability and integration locally, regionally and nationally; and workforce reform.