Data released today by the Ministry of Justice and the Youth Justice Board shows a 32% increase in children in custody requiring hospital treatment after being assaulted, self-harming or restraint. In 2013/2014, 44 children were taken to hospital after assault (28), self-harm (13) and restraint (3). This increased to 58 in 2014/2015, with 31 children … Read more
Young experts in the Force for Change group have set out their principles for child-centred support. The young people have been working with the NSPCC, and their advice is included in the charity’s new campaign report, called It’s time. The five principles are: “Every child and young person deserves support which: is from a professional … Read more
16 December 2019 – Ofsted inspection report states that “practices at the centre place children at risk”, that pain-inducing restraint continues to be used on children unlawfully and the centre requires improvement. (2014 was the last time Medway secure training centre was judged to be good by inspectors). 13 February 2017 – BBC reports a … Read more
Coram Voice is running an exciting national writing competition for children and young people in care, and care leavers. Submissions will be judged in three separate categories: primary age, secondary age and care leavers. You can write up to 1,000 words and enter three separate pieces, on the subject of: Who makes you happy? There … Read more
A joint letter is published today in The Times, in response to abuse revelations at G4S-run Medway secure training centre. The letter calls for children to be moved from G4S Medway, and other institutions like it, to settings “where we can be sure they will be safe, respected and properly cared for”. After this, we … Read more