The Department for Education has withdrawn a controversial document about council duties to vulnerable children and young people, after Article 39 launched an application for judicial review. The so-called ‘myth busting’ guide advised local authorities that they are legally permitted to reduce and remove support from children in long-term foster care, children who run away … Read more
Following the suspension of 20 members of staff from the Westwood Centre at West Lane Hospital in Middlesbrough, Article 39 submitted a freedom of information request to gain details of restraint techniques authorised for use on children there. The staff were suspended after using unauthorised restraint methods. The FOI response from Tees Esk and Wear … Read more
Last month, Article 39 and 35 others wrote jointly to the Ministers responsible for child protection and child prisons urging them to abandon plans to open an experimental secure school on the site of Medway secure training centre. A serious case review showed substantial failure both within the institution, and among local and national agencies, … Read more