Use of pain-inducing restraint increases in child prisons

Annual statistics showing the number of children in England and Wales entering prisons and secure children’s homes, and some of their experiences there, have been published today (28 January). These show a significant rise in the overall use of pain-inducing restraint techniques since last year: Up to the year ending March 2020, the thumb flexion, … Read more

Children’s rights legal digest – January 2021

While the Southwark judgment and the resulting statutory guidance clarified the legal duties of local authorities in supporting 16 and 17-year-olds who are homeless, practice remains varied across the country. Last year, research by Just for Kids Law found that many 16 and 17 year-olds continue to be accommodated under Section 17 of the Children … Read more

Review of children’s social care launched

The government has today (15 January) announced the start of its review of children’s social care. Founder and Chief Executive of social work training charity Frontline, Josh MacAlister, has been appointed by the Secretary of State for Education to chair the review. Carolyne Willow, Article 39’s Director, said: “We warmly welcome the review’s confirmation that … Read more