- Each day, CYP Now will summarise the key issues affecting the children and families sector as it tackles the effects of the pandemic. The daily update signposts children’s services practitioners and leaders to the latest developments, expert views, advice and resources.
Concern for babies born during lockdown
Children’s commissioner for England Anne Longfield has raised concerns over a lack of support for new babies during lockdown.
In a briefing paper, Longfield highlights the inability of family and friends to support new mothers as well as relaxed time frames for midwife visits and the six-week postnatal check.
She says around 76,000 babies have been born during lockdown and highlight particular concern about those living in poverty or who parents are experiencing domestic violence.
She has called on the NHS and the government to implement two-way data sharing to support vulnerable families who have welcomed a newborn during the crisis.
Independent social work provider issues free PPE
An independent social work provider will hand out free personal protective equipment to all contracted professionals (PPE).
WillisPalmer will provide supplies of disposable masks, gloves and aprons to allow professionals to support vulnerable families through home visits.
Mark Willis, chief executive of WillisPalmer, said: “WillisPalmer is extremely concerned that, as domestic abuse is rising and mental health problems are being exacerbated under the pressure of lockdown measures, that a child tragedy is on the horizon.
“That is why we are announcing that WillisPalmer will be providing free PPE for all of our contracted professionals to enable them to work with vulnerable families with safety precautions in place.”
YOIs inspected over Covid-19 practice
HM Inspectorate of Prisons has visited three young offender institutions in England and Wales to assess practice during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Inspectors reported “swift and generally good action by managers to keep children safe” at Cookham Wood, Kent, Parc, in South Wales, and Wetherby, in Yorkshire.
However, children were living under restricted regimes and inspectors noted concerns over inconsistencies and variations in practice across the three settings visited.
Government releases updated children’s social care guidance
The Department for Education has released updated guidance reflecting statutory changes made to legislation for children’s social care.
The guidance, which has drawn criticism from across the sector, states: “Amendments have been made to provide for extra flexibility in some circumstances, but this should only be used when absolutely necessary, with senior management oversight, and must be consistent with the overarching safeguarding and welfare duties that remain in place.”
It adds that the amendments, imposed on 24 April, will remain in place “only for so long as needed”.
New research reveals impact of lockdown on young people
Some 47 per cent of young people have discovered a new hobby during lockdown while 44 per cent say they feel closer to family and friends, according to the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
However, the study of 9,914 young people, aged 14-25, also revealed that 71 per cent are concerned about their academic knowledge and skills deteriorating and 46 per cent are worried about their mental health.
