Daily roundup 6 May: Trafficked children, Medway STC, and tasers

The number of children identified as being trafficked for labour and sexual exploitation increased by 46 per cent last year, according to findings from the National Crime Agency. The Guardian reports that there were 982 cases in 2015, compared with 671 in 2014.


The Ministry of Justice is to take over the running of Medway Secure Training Centre, by the end of July. The BBC reports that a new director is expected to be appointed at the establishment, which is currently run by private firm G4S.


There were 476 incidences of tasters being used against children across the UK in 2015, according to figures released by police. The Mirror reports that this represents a drop of five per cent from 501 incidences in 2014 - the first fall since 2009.


The British Association of Social Workers has called for evidence from adopted young people, parents, professionals and policymakers for a year-long study on the role of the social worker in adoption. The research will focus on how ethical issues and human rights legislation are understood and inform practice, and how these relate to pursuing good long-term outcomes for children and their families.?


A new website has been launched to assess parents' and young people's satisfaction with the new education, health and care assessment and planning process for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN). EHCP Journeys features findings from ASK Research, which looked into families' experiences of the process. It also offers advice to providers informed by its findings.


The education of more than 2,000 young people has been disrupted by the collapse of 22 government-promoted free schools, university technical colleges or studio schools since 2013, according to the NUT. The union says the government should be held to account for the £60.7 million spent on the schools.