Academics criticise government plans to outsource children's social care; NHS England raises concerns over failure to meet child mental health needs; and nursery to investigate after toddler found wandering streets, all in the news today.

A group of academics has written a letter to the Guardian outlining their opposition to government plans to outsource children’s social care services to private companies. The letter, signed by 37 professors from UK universities, says child protection services are too important to be exposed to the “fickleness and failings” of the private sector. It also criticises the six-week timescale for the consultation, which closes at the end of May, as being too short.

Only a quarter of children with mental health conditions are receiving the treatment they need, according to a study produced by NHS England. An internal report seen by the Observer, shows 76 per cent of children aged five to 15 with anxiety or depression are not in contact with services. It also finds that a rise in the number of young people needing treatment for complex mental health conditions has led to a delay in assessments for conditions such as ADHD and autism.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this

Hertfordshire Youth Workers

“Opportunities in districts teams and countywide”

Administration Apprentice

SE1 7JY, London (Greater)