In 1984 Jasmine Beckford was killed by her stepfather while she was in the care of Brent Social Services Department. The Committee of Inquiry into her death re-emphasised the need for better co-operation between professionals supporting children. The Michael Sieff Foundation took up this challenge by organising meetings of people in a position to act on the inquiry - to recommend and ensure lasting improvements.
Impressive progress has been made in child protection, although the recent deaths of six-year-old Lauren Wright and eight-year-old Victoria Climbié are tragic reminders of the need for further improvements.
Issues examined at Foundation conferences include:
- specialised training for all involved with children's welfare
- ensuring all children complete full schooling and training for jobs
- communication failure between education and social services
- children as victims of violence between parents
- difficulties in residential care for children
- child sexual exploitation
- cross-border paedophile activity
- reform of the juvenile justice system
New challenges confront the Foundation. The UK imprisons more teenagers than almost any Western European country - often for lack of a stable home or the education and training to get jobs. Three-quarters of imprisoned young men re-offend within two years of release. The recommendations of five consecutive conferences, on preventing offending and other improvements to the criminal justice system, are being vigorously followed up.
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