Respected and Protected highlights some of the issues faced by children today.
In particular, the report addresses the issues faced by looked after children, those in care and leaving care; those whose needs are not met and whose voices are not heard; children at risk of family breakdown or in need of permanent, loving homes, who often wait too long for the support or placement they need; children denied the education they need to develop or lack support to realise their potential; and children with uncertain immigration status living in fear or insecurity.
Eight improvements outlined in the report
- Strengthening the legal framework for children.
- Ensuring the voices of children are always heard.
- Providing secure loving families for children who need them.
- Realising access to justice for all children.
- Making routes to permanent status accessible to children and young people.
- Building positive social norms in schools and ensuring timely and sufficient adolescent and mental health support.
- Tackling educational exclusion with greater support for schools in realising equality of opportunity for those with additional needs.
- Building capacity and consistent quality to ensure that children’s needs can be met.