Martin Houghton-Brown, policy adviser at The Children's Society, wassitting in the stranger's gallery of the House of Commons as MPslistened to this and other stories just over a week ago. "Sadly we've along supply of case studies," he sighs.
The Parliamentary debate is one highlight in a busy month for thecharity's campaign to get better support for young runaways. Indeed, theissue appears to be moving up the political agenda.
Last week, the newly formed All-party Parliamentary Group for Runawayand Missing Children met for the first time (Children Now, 19-25July).
A significant number of MPs, including the chairs of several selectcommittees, were there. When education secretary Alan Johnson popped in,Houghton-Brown was both surprised and pleased. "It was a closed meeting,but he said the new group put runaways high up the agenda. He said therewas more to discuss."
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