CYP Now - Blogs (8)

"In some ways, I support the proposed legislation that will criminalise neglect. Too many children suffer from neglect but are not close to social care thresholds. The important point is that parliament will be giving a message that neglect is not acceptable, and the debates will raise general awareness. But I don't want to criminalise parents - I want them to improve how they parent, where that is inadequate. Parents who neglect their children need much more than sanctions or simply the taking of children into care. Parent education is critical and parent support is critical, and we don't do enough of either. Social workers are increasingly pressed, schools and early years providers have neither the time nor the expertise to work with parents on these issues, and neither has the health service. So I am pleased that something is reversing the trend, even if it is based on sanctions - but let's continue to argue strongly and loudly for support, not sanctions, for our most vulnerable parents and children." John Freeman on parenting support

"Jason Pandya-Wood sparked controversy last week when he appeared to blame the workforce for cuts in youth services. I have a certain amount of sympathy for his view. A few years ago at a CYP Now conference, I crossed swords with Fiona Blacke on the issue of evidencing the impact of youth work. But shortly afterwards, the education select committee was raising the same concerns. The bottom line for me is that we have an education system that fails too many of our young people - good youth work can offer so much to enrich and develop a young person's social education, but also rekindle a love of learning. I continue to make that argument at every opportunity - I trust you will too." Linda Jack on the importance of youth work.

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