National action plan urged for young runaways

The report by Railway Children found that a failure to provide one-to-one support for children is resulting in too many young runaways being “trapped” in harmful situations involving drug abuse and sexual exploitation.

It wants the government to draw up a national action plan recognising the risks faced by runaway children, and says ministers must pledge to stop further cuts to one-to-one support for this vulnerable group.

In addition to dedicated runaway projects in all areas, the report calls for support services to be available up to the age of 18, rather than the current age limit of 16, and says local authorities must recognise running away as a key safeguarding issue.

The charity also wants councils and other providers to create a UK-wide network so that teenagers who need urgent support can access safe people and places wherever they are.

The recommendations are supported by the findings of a year-long evaluation of Railway Children’s Reach pilot project in South Yorkshire.

The project, which provides a 24-hour helpline, a missing young people’s service, a prevention education programme, a team of street workers, and the only refuge in England for children and young people who are under the age of 16, is also being piloted in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

“Reach is one way for councils to future-proof early intervention against the devastating cuts pushing services to the cliff edge, Terina Keene, Railway Children’s chief executive, said.

“Without one-to-one support, longer-term when needed, any government response will fail, making it easier for young people, particularly girls, to carry on being ignored or disbelieved when they report abuse.

“This government cannot afford to turn its back on young people and must do everything it can to prevent the next Rochdale, Rotherham or Derby.”