The Weekly News Roundup – 02/05/2023

Here’s your news from across the UK:

• Pressure rising on UK government to follow Scotland and Wales in apologising for forced adoption practices.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/apr/25/uk-government-under-pressure-formally-apologise-forced-adoption-labour-wales

• Article covering what the report on abuse of disabled children in residential homes means for social workers and councils.

https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2023/04/24/what-abuse-inquiry-report-means-for-social-workers-and-councils/

• Campaigners warn the care system is re-traumatising Care Experienced people as they are moved up to 500 miles from home.

 https://inews.co.uk/news/children-moved-500-miles-from-home-broken-care-system-2294312

• MSPs growing increasingly concerned with the potential costs of the National Care Service. https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/23479950.msps-increasingly-concerned-cost-snp-flagship-care-reforms/
• Become has launched a report about Care Experienced young people being moved further away from home, and it’s affect on wellbeing.

 https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2023/04/25/more-children-in-care-placed-far-from-home-increasing-risk-of-lower-wellbeing-finds-research/

• Proposed residential closures risks heightening lack of placement crisis. https://www.cypnow.co.uk/analysis/article/wider-factors-influencing-the-closure-of-children-s-homes
  
  
• Article calling for a review of policies put in place to deal with behavioural issues of people in care, claiming they have not worked.

 https://www.cypnow.co.uk/analysis/article/councils-must-review-behaviour-policies

• Murder of a toddler has led to calls for a review of children’s services in Wales. https://news.sky.com/story/lola-james-calls-for-wales-wide-review-of-childrens-services-after-toddlers-murder-12866650
  
  
• Article highlighting the work labour councils can do to better support Care Experienced people after the Government’s weak response to Care Review.

 https://labourlist.org/2023/04/the-simple-step-labour-can-take-to-stop-britain-failing-care-leavers/

• A blog post by the new Children’s Commissioner’s Digital Engagement Assistant who is Care Experienced. Benita recalls her experience as a “care leaver”.

https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/blog/my-journey-to-independence-a-care-leavers-journey/

• Outcomes First Group, which is owned by private equity firm Stirling Square, is planning to close a several children’s homes across the Midlands and southern England by 5 May.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/apr/30/heartbreaking-private-care-homes-accused-of-failing-uk-children-due-to-closures