Chatbot for exploited children wants to go national 

  • A charity chatbot called ‘Is This Ok?’ helps children who have been exploited in Suffolk.
  • It was set up by Missing People and Childline.
  • They are looking to gain more funding to roll services out nationally.
  • It has already been accessed over 2000 times where it is available.
  • You can read the full story on Planet Radio’s website.

Nationality and Borders Bill risks eroding protections for child victims of modern slavery 

  • There are widespread doubts whether government plans will deliver a ‘fairer and more efficient immigration system’ as proposed by the Nationality and Borders bill.
  • The Children’s Society have concerns since planned changes could erode existing safeguarding and protection for child victims of modern slavery, trafficking, and exploitation.
  • The Bill may make it harder for children to be recognised as victims and get the support they need.
  • You can read the full story on the Politics Home website.

Survey to examine impact on officers in child sexual abuse and exploitation teams 

  • The survey aims to capture the thoughts and observations of officers involved in these investigations.
  • This is thought to be the first survey of this kind, with researchers saying this data has never been secured before.
  • Thousands of officers and staff in these teams deal with extremely traumatic accounts of these crimes.
  • This report will give a detailed insight into the mental health and wellbeing of staff, and what can be done to improve wellbeing.
  • You can read the full story on the Police Professional website.

Covid inquiry ‘ignores that children paid the ultimate price’ during pandemic 

  • The Children’s Commissioner has warned the Covid inquiry’s failure to address social services will ignore the ‘ultimate price’ some children paid during the pandemic, particularly following harrowing high-profile cases such as the death of Star Hobson.  
  • The inquiry will examine the preparedness, capacity and resilience of the NHS and it has just one reference to education and does not cover social services.  
  • Head of Policy and Affairs at the NSPCC stated that the lockdowns left vulnerable children trapped in violent homes with little means of escape. 
  • You can read the full story on the Telegraph’s website. 

Schools in Scotland closed over staff Covid absence rates 

  • At least 6 schools have fully closed in Scotland due to high numbers of staff being off work with Covid. 
  • Many pupils in Dumfries and Galloway, the Highlands, Moray, Orkney and the Western Isles are returning to remote learning while schools are closed. 
  • Scotland is facing a surge of Covid cases because of the new more transmissible version of the Omicron variant, with ONS sampling suggesting 1 in 14 Scottish people had the virus. 
  • You can read the full story on the BBC’s website.