Covid-19: Vulnerable People

Baroness Smith of Newnham Excerpts
Tuesday 12th May 2020

(4 years, 7 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Barran Portrait Baroness Barran
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The Government have been absolutely clear. Like me, the noble Baroness recognises what a huge issue domestic abuse is, not just for women but, critically, for children growing up in homes where fear and coercion are the norm.

Baroness Smith of Newnham Portrait Baroness Smith of Newnham (LD)
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My Lords, one of the strands of funding is through the Department for Education to support vulnerable children, but it has become clear through the discussion this morning that there will be new cases of domestic abuse. How does the Department for Education identify new cases of vulnerability if there is not regular sight of children going to school?

Baroness Barran Portrait Baroness Barran
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The noble Baroness raises a crucial point. A number of organisations, including the Department for Education and charities in this field, are finding new ways to make sure that they have regular contact, whether by phone or online or, where safe to do so, face to face, to support those children.