A million children in the UK are growing up without a father in their lives, research has found. The BBC reports that a study by the Centre for Social Justice found that 3m children are growing up predominantly with their mothers and 1m do not have a “meaningful relationship” with their father that involves two or more contacts a year. The report found that some areas are virtual "men deserts", and warned that absence of fathers is linked to higher rates of youth crime, pregnancy and disadvantage.
Local authorities are failing to protect vulnerable children from sexual exploitation, a group of MPs has found. The Guardian reports that the Home Affairs Select Committee believe recent criminal cases have highlighted a "woeful lack of professional curiosity" from statutory agencies in different areas of the country. Education Secretary Michael Gove was also criticised for rejecting a recommendation made by the committee that teachers be given help to identify and support children who are at risk.
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