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.