Offences against Children

(asked on 17th December 2014) - View Source

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussions she has had with (c) Childline, (b) Voice of the Child in Care and (c) other similar organisations on the reporting of child abuse.


Answered by
Edward Timpson Portrait
Edward Timpson
This question was answered on 5th January 2015

The Department for Education has regular discussions with the NSPCC who receive funding from the Department for Childline and other helplines to help children experiencing abuse. Reporting abuse and neglect as early as possible is vital so that children get the help and support they need. Our statutory guidance is very clear that a referral should be made to children’s social care as soon as a problem presents. The Department holds a number of meetings with different organisations to discuss how to improve the process of referral for both children and those working with them.

The Government is also supporting both the ‘National Youth Advocacy Service’ and ‘Voice’ to provide an advocacy advice service for looked after children and care leavers. The service provides confidential advice and support to looked-after children and care leavers and includes advice and support relating to safeguarding concerns.

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