Guidelines Aim To Improve Children's Services

A lawyer who deals with cases related to child abuse and neglect has welcomed new proposals which call for changes to care services that will ensure youngsters do not feel isolated.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has teamed up with the Social Care Institute for Excellence to produce the guidance, which suggests councils should appoint champions to help youngsters from a range of backgrounds.

Tracey Storey of Irwin Mitchell’s London office has given her backing to the plans, which are designed to ensure the needs of children from a variety of different social and ethnic backgrounds are properly catered for.

She said: “At Irwin Mitchell, we represent a lot of care leavers who have had very bad experiences of the care system, including abuse and neglect. 

“’Looked after’ children who may have abusive experiences at home deserve much better, not more of the same. I welcome the recommendations. 

“Giving proper support to vulnerable children when they need it will mean that they are able to have settled and productive adult lives, saving the state money in the long run."