The BBC has reported that a 16 year-old boy, Caden Steward, died in Cookham Wood young offender institution in Kent on Thursday 27 June. His death is not believed to have been self-inflicted, and is said not to be suspicious. This is the third child to die in Cookham Wood YOI since 2012. An investigation … Read more
The Children’s Commissioner has today (13 June) published her review of independent advocacy services in England. This shows that 29% of local authorities do not know how advocacy services are provided to children in respect of health complaints – despite them having a legal duty to make such arrangements since 2012. Nine local authorities were … Read more
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has placed a mental health hospital for children in special measures. St Andrew’s Healthcare Adolescent Service in Northamptonshire, which is registered as a charity, has been rated ‘inadequate’ overall and the same for safety, care and leadership following an inspection by the CQC. Among the many damming findings, inspectors reported: … Read more
In a much-awaited judgment handed down today (6 June), the Supreme Court has restored the right of children and young people to sue for negligence where a local authority has failed to protect them from harm. Article 39 and The Care Leavers’ Association jointly intervened in this landmark case, after a Court of Appeal decision … Read more