New Prime Minister’s key priorities for children

It’s a big concern that the two candidates vying to become Prime Minister have remained largely silent when it comes to children and young people. We urgently need to see a proper plan from whoever enters Number 10 Downing Street to turn around the wellbeing crisis blighting children’s lives. That means action and investment in four key areas: supporting children’s mental health, tackling child poverty, reforming children’s social care, and offering more effective support for children at risk of exploitation. All affect children’s wellbeing.

1. We want to see investment not just in specialist mental health support to alleviate pressure on overstretched services, but also prevention. That means walk-in hubs offering early help before issues escalate, and a quicker roll-out of mental health support in schools.

2. It is truly shameful that nearly a third of our children are living in poverty. The new PM must go beyond simply offering emergency help for families struggling with the cost of living. A permanent boost to welfare support is needed, including a significant increase in child benefit, an end to the benefit cap and two-child limit, and an extension of free school meals to all households receiving universal credit. No parent should have to reach crisis to receive support.

3. Implementing the recommendations of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care is crucial. It found that many children and young people were being let down and left in danger. These proposals must not be ignored – we must see the “ambitious and detailed” response promised by the government later this year. That means, among other things, ensuring enough care placements are available, boosting early support to prevent children reaching crisis point, and a better targeted response for teenagers at risk of abuse and exploitation.

4. There are two key pieces of legislation which have the potential to improve responses to children at risk of exploitation and abuse. The Online Safety Bill and Victims Bill both need to be strengthened to recognise the risks of children being groomed and coerced into crime. We want to see child criminal exploitation defined in law and young people need to be recognised as victims and offered help. There must be specialist support for all young victims of crime, recognising their vulnerabilities as children.

It’s vital that children and young people are among the top priorities for the new Prime Minister. Without urgent action to give them the care and support they need and improve their wellbeing, their happiness and life chances will be jeopardised. Let’s give them the hope they deserve for the future.

• Mark Russell is chief executive of The Children’s Society