The Scottish Government has published a national play strategy for Scotland. The strategy sets out the Scottish Government’s vision for play services and will be followed by an action plan with specific aims and policies in the autumn.
Norfolk’s director of children’s services is to step down after the county’s MPs joined forces to criticise services in the area, reports the Eastern Daily Press. Lisa Christensen said she will retire early on 18 July.
The NSPCC has launched a 24-hour helpline for child victims of female genital mutilation (FGM). The child protection charity said it decided to set up the helpline – 0800 028 3550 – after discovering that more than 70 women and girls were seeking treatment for FGM every month. People with concerns that a child is at risk of FGM can also get support from the helpline.
The Western Morning News reports that Alan Wooderson, chairman of Devon’s safeguarding children board, has resigned after an Ofsted report concluded that children’s services in the county were inadequate.
Aylesbury Young Offenders’ Institution could have done more to prevent the suicide of a 19-year-old sex offender, an inquest as ruled. BBC News reports that the inquest heard that Nicholas Wheller, who had learning difficulties and a history of self-harm, gave a note telling a staff member of his plan to commit suicide on the day he hanged himself in March 2011. However the note was not read in full and no action was taken.
And finally, campaigners have welcomed a court’s decision to quash the convictions of three Vietnamese young people who were trafficked into the UK and forced to work in cannabis factories. Anti-trafficking charity ECPAT UK said the judgement sent a clear message that people who are trafficked should be treated as victims of crimes by the authorities.
