A PROBE has failed to find ways of slashing ‘amazing’ taxpayer-funded costs for looked after Buckinghamshire children.

A NEW payment package is being offered by Northumberland County Council with the aim of attracting new foster carers.

Social workers are calling on the new coalition government to show its commitment to the profession amid fears that looked-after children and child protection issues could be overlooked.

The child poverty charity, Save the Children, is introducing a £12m scheme to the UK, based on a US programme which has dramatically improved the lives of poor children, according to CYP Now.

The new Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government has yet to adopt a formal position on the proposed capping of court fees for independent social work expert witnesses but the position may become clearer over the coming weeks, BASW has been told.

A Kenyan woman who used forged papers to get a job in a care home so she could provide for her four children has been jailed for six months.

A CARE home near Stourport is opening a £1 million extension specialising in dementia care, creating 25 new jobs.

A care home matron formed a mock “jazz band” to agitate elderly residents as part of a regime of bullying and practical jokes, a hearing has been told.

BABY P social workers sacked by Haringey Council for failing to protect him will face a tribunal next week. Team manager Gillie Christou and social worker Maria Ward were fired for gross misconduct in April 2009.

One in ten British children is being abused or neglected at home and most are ignored by social workers, as well as the country’s politicians, charities are claiming.