Daily roundup: Youth unemployment, missing children and new Camden DCS

Rates of unemployment among young people have risen to 21 per cent, meaning that more than 950,000 under 25s are currently without work. The Independent reports findings of a study by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), which found the rise in the number of young jobless came at the same time that the unemployment rate among 25- to 64-year-olds fell to 5.6 per cent. The IPPR says the figures reflect a break in the traditional link between youth unemployment and economic growth.

The number of children and young people reported missing overnight from council-run residential homes in Norfolk has doubled. The Eastern Daily Press reports figures from the service’s annual report, which shows 81 reported absences in 2012/13, compared with 156 in the first six months of this year.

Martin Pratt has been appointed as the new director of children, schools and families at Camden Council. Pratt, currently corporate director for children and learning at Luton Council, will start his new role on 1 February. He will replace Helen McMullen, who was appointed to the post on an interim basis in September 2012.

Local safeguarding children’s boards (LCSB) are committed to publishing the findings of serious case reviews (SCR), according to a survey of LSCB chairs. The survey, carried out by the Association of Independent Chairs of LSCBs, also found that any delay in publishing SCRs was due to factors beyond the control of LSCBs. Sue Woolmare, chair of the association, said there is currently no evidence to suggest publishing SCRs strengthens child protection.

A national project designed to create a better understanding of how flu spreads is being extended to primary schools for the first time. The BBC reports that scientists are starting to collect data from schools for the Flusurvey surveillance project, which is in its fifth year. The extension of the project coincides with the NHS beginning to offer flu vaccinations for children.

And finally, the Impetus-Private Equity Foundation is investing £375,000 in youth charities to help improve educational and employment skills among young people. Unitas, which helps young people access mainstream education and training, will receive an initial one-year investment of £75,000, while 2nd Chance will receive £300,000 over two years to support a project with Neets (not in education, employment or training) in Southwark, London.