MP calls for action on runaway children
A national system of refuge homes is urgently needed to deal with Britain’s thousands of runaway children, a Labour MP argued today.
Warrington South MP Helen Southworth has tabled a ten-minute rule bill calling for a co-ordinated national approach to dealing with missing and runaway children.
Research by the Children’s Society finds that about 100,000 children run away every year, but there are currently no nationwide records of who has been reported missing, or what agencies are available to help them.
In addition, there are currently only three children’s refuges in the UK, offering just ten beds in total. The charity’s research found that one in six runaway children admitted to sleeping on the streets, increasing their risk of being abused.
“These are not bad children but they are in a bad situation. And they need us to act together to keep them safe,” Ms Southworth told MPs this afternoon.
She continued: “We don’t know how many children are missing nationally, so we do not have the information we need to direct resources.
“And there is no national co-ordination to providing services for young runaways despite the clear fact that running away affects children across the country.”
Charities and voluntary groups were providing good services across the country, she said, but there was no way of extending their good practice, or of co-ordinating their efforts.
In addition, many of them were funded only through charitable donations.
“This bill will establish a requirement for collection of data of children reported missing to police; require a national survey of young people to identify under-reporting in this area; and set up a national co-ordinating body. to develop integrated policies,” Ms Southworth said.
An early day motion calling for the “swift establishment of a national network of safe places for children and young people” has already been tabled by Lib Dem MP Paul Burstow, and has so far gained the support of 246 MPs.
And Children’s Society chief executive Bob Reitemeier has now welcomed today’s ten-minute rule bill, which will be debated again the Commons next May.
“The situation facing these vulnerable children is outrageous. We urgently need to offer them refuges where they will be protected and supported,” he said.
He added: “We have been heartened by the incredible response we’ve had so far from MPs across the political spectrum and the momentum this has given our safe and sound campaign.”
