By Gavin Mackintosh-
Vulnerable children most at risk of neglect, violence or exploitation will benefit from extra support to keep them safe during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Over £12 million will be spent on 14 projects across the country to tackle the increased risk some children and young people are facing as they stay at home to reduce the spread of Coronavirus. This will include money to pay for individual support for families at risk of domestic abuse, community volunteers to work with families, and continued support for teenagers at risk of exploitation.
The money will be spent on children in care and care leavers, and will also be used to support vulnerable children’s mental health . These new projects are designed to prevent children suffering from isolation or exploitation as the country continues to respond to COVID-19. These new projects will prevent children suffering from isolation or exploitation as The money will benefit children in care and care leavers, and will be used to also support vulnerable children’s mental health and to provide practical and emotional help.
This includes a package of funding to give young people in some project areas unlimited data on their phones for three months so they can stay connected and prevent them suffering from isolation. It will also be used to provide practical and emotional help. This includes a package of funding to give young people in some project areas unlimited data on their phones for three months so they can stay connected and prevent them suffering from isolation.
The funding builds on the Government’s work to protect vulnerable children and young people’s well being, that includes working with schools, social workers and local authorities to encourage them to continue attending school wherever appropriate.This comes after the Education Secretary asked local authorities to ensure that no one has to leave care during this difficult time.
Children and Families Minister Vicky Ford said:
”I will always put the care and safety of vulnerable children first, especially at this time as they face unique challenges due to COVID-19. For many of these children, social distancing measures may present additional risks, whether from neglect or abuse at home or from strangers online.
These new projects will prevent children suffering from isolation or exploitation as the country continues to respond to COVID-19. The £12 million package includes work on Adolescent exploitation of teenagers across North London who experience multiple risks. It brings together NHS, social care, police, criminal justice and third sector services under one roof – a “child house” to support children and families affected by child sexual abuse and exploitation.
A designated social worker will be appointed to work intensively with families if risks escalate. Various programmes around the country to build lasting support networks for children and families in the care system including foster parents, to prevent social isolation at this time, as well as finding homes for young people leaving care.
Families in Camden will receive a range of services from which families choose the ones they want to rely on, including mediation, mentoring, family therapy and youth support
Chief Social Worker for Children and Families Isabelle Trowler said:
”It’s never been more important for children and their families to receive the support they need. In the true spirit of dedicated public service it is so heartening to see these projects adapting and continuing to deliver services in times of unprecedented challenge. Education is a strong protective factor for many vulnerable children and young people, which is why the Government is also ensuring there is a place in nursery, school or college for them.
The British Government has also set out significant support for services benefiting these young people and their families. It includes additional funding of £3.2 billion for local authorities, helping them meet additional demands including within children’s social care services at this time. It also includes a £1.6 million injection to expand and promote the NSPCC’s helpline, offering advice and support on how to raise concerns about children at risk.
It promises an additional £8 million from the Adoption Support Fund to help families under pressure as a result of the outbreak. Better data sharing between all safeguarding partners, making sure the NHS, police, social workers, school nurses and health workers have the information they need to protect children at risk of abuse.