15,000 kids and counting

A three part TV series on child protection and adoption began this week on Channel 4.
I watched the first episode last night and as tough and upsetting as it was, I would recommend it. I don't always promote these things beforehand because they can sometimes be rather 'all surface no feeling' ( I know Benefits Street upset a few of you) but I thought this got the balance about right between personality and process.
That said, I am acutely aware that I'm writing this for people who've worked in this very sector so if any of you think it was an unfair depiction of the job then I'd love to hear from you.

If you've used the Channel 4 on demand (4OD) website before then you'll know how this works, but if you haven't you'll need to register once you reach the log in page. All things being equal, just follow this link and you should be able to see the episode from last night.

If you need help creating your 4OD account then I'll guide you through it.

New report from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) has just published its annual report. This specialist police unit monitors how well civil court orders work in preventing sex offenders from re-offending after being released from prison. The report states in no uncertain terms that the current measures fail to protect children, and suggests a simplification of what is currently on offer would help prevent further abuses.

To view how the BBC are currently reporting the issue then go here or to view the full-text CEOP report click here.

If you need help with referencing this kind of report (especially if you think it would be appropriate for a late insertion into your dissertation!) then email me as soon as possible.

The newly published report on Jimmy Savile

I must be honest with you. I've written two or three posts already about the unfolding Jimmy Savile story and  didn't post any of them. This was because the whole situation has made me so angry I couldn't even pretend to be dispassionate and subjective. I just find the misuse of power to exploit vulnerable people in society the most vile of crimes.

The reason I'm writing this post now is due to the publishing of the NSPCC/Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) report into Savile's crimes called 'Giving Victims a Voice'. A major finding of which is the damning claim that the victims who spoke out at the time were simply not believed. The report makes clear that Savile used his fame to 'coerce or control' his victims, but goes on to suggest that things have improved in the reporting of such incidents. That said, the report, which you can find in full by clicking here, clearly states that there is absolutely no room for complacency.

One more related point.
I've bought many books for the LRC in the last few years on Safeguarding and Child Protection.
However, with the 'E-books on Demand' project currently running, there's nothing to stop you having a look on Dawsonera and seeing what e-books you can add to what we already have.

New TV programme on child protection

This one is a gift for anyone studying any aspect of child protection.

Tonight (Monday 31st January) is the first part of a three part series following a newly qualified social worker in her day to day activities. It's on BBC 2 at 9pm, but if this post doesn't reach you in time then you've always got BBC's iplayer as back up. There's some information on what the show contains (and how it got made at all) on the BBC website.

If you want to reference the programme in the future then ask me and I'll explain the format.

Let's hope the show is sympathetic to those who have to make tough decisions concerning children and families.

Munro review of child protection.

Today, May 10th 2011, sees the release of the Munro report investigating child protection issues in relation to practice and frontline services.

Click here to see the BBC coverage this morning including an interview with Eileen Munro.

In addition, go straight here to view the report.