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Children are in ‘extreme crisis’: top judge berates DfE’s six-year failure to tackle ‘gross’ lack of secure units

Community Care

Under section 25 of the Children Act 1989 , such secure welfare placements may only be made if a child either has a history of absconding, would likely abscond from any other setting and, if they did so, would likely suffer significant harm; or would likely injure themselves or others if placed in any other setting.

Self-harm 281
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What Are The New Government Guidelines For Children’s Mental Health?

MQ Mental Health

The UK government recently published guidance from the department of health and social care into improving the mental health of babies, children and young people. This week (5-11 February 2024) is Children’s Mental Health Week. Early years are formulative, and can set the course for mental health in later life.

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What Are The New Government Guidelines For Children’s Mental Health?

MQ Mental Health

The UK government recently published guidance from the department of health and social care into improving the mental health of babies, children and young people. This week (5-11 February 2024) is Children’s Mental Health Week. Early years are formulative, and can set the course for mental health in later life.

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Secure children’s home bed numbers fall despite huge level of need

Community Care

The figures come despite chronically high demand for welfare placements for children on secure accommodation orders, who typically have severe and complex needs such as self-harm, suicidal ideation or high risk of exploitation. Overall occupancy levels were 60% of approved places, down from 72% in 2020.

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‘Why child protection policies on bruising to babies need to change’

Community Care

The panel acknowledges that there are a small number of children who are seriously harmed or die, where bruises have been seen by staff with a responsibility to protect children before more serious injuries have taken place. Is a bruise ‘reasonable cause to suspect significant harm’? Harming children and families.

Self-harm 359
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Caseloads bigger, more complex and harder to manage, say children’s social workers

Community Care

A children in care practitioner from the East of England said: “Cases have become more complex due to lack of services or early interventions not being put in place. Sharp rise in children’s social workers leaving council roles, government figures show. Quality undermined. I am looking for jobs away from local authority social work.”.

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Councils referring more children from residential to foster care, report agencies

Community Care

Children making significant progress in residential care due to effective therapeutic interventions, making them ready and willing to move to a family-like setting. Local authorities being “increasingly concerned about the high cost of residential care” and so exploring foster care with children.