“We need the right support at the right time from the right people, close to home”
Kate Chate – Rep and Family member
The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel have just published their second report about residential care settings in Doncaster run by the Hesley Group.
The reports found that in these homes between the 1st January 2018 and March 21st 2021 many children experienced neglect, abuse and were not having their needs met.
You can read both reports here.
Learning Disability England endorses the joint statement made by Dr Margaret Flynn, Dame Christine Lenehan and Dr Sheila Fish and held by the Coalition for Change.
They say:
‘It is time for a co-ordinated, sustained and resourced re-think and to bring fresh interest to tackling the system-justifying tendencies that perpetuate harm’.
The reports showed that the children were failed at almost every level.
More must be done to ensure that effective safeguarding systems are in place and local support and services improve.
All children, must be cared for, supported and protected from harm.
Kate Chate, a member of the Learning Disability England representative body and family member has given her thoughts after reading the report:
‘We need the right support at the right time from the right people, close to home. People, their families and professionals have said this over and over again.
It feels like nothing is changing because those in power don’t want it enough to pay for it.
Until people in distress are supported by workers who have good pay and training, we will keep being asked why that support doesn’t get better.’
If you are worried about the abuse or neglect of a young person you should report it to the police, local authority children’s services, or NSPCC by calling 0808 800 5000.
If you are concerned about your own care or the care of a relative and are looking for advice and information, here are some places you can find it:
NHS – Resources on giving feedback, raising a concern or making a complaint
The CBF – Support related to abuse
Ann Craft Trust – Advice for anyone concerned with the protection of vulnerable children and adults
SCIE – Raising concerns about a social care, health or housing provider