FAMILIES coping with a child with autism or Asperger syndrome can now benefit from a new service that provides autism awareness workshops at The Bonded Warehouse in Stourbridge.

COUNCIL leaders in Southampton caused an outcry last night when they unanimously voted to close down two care homes and evict 62 residents to save cash.

THE lives of elderly residents could be at risk if Tory council leaders today agree to close two care homes says a pensioners’ group.

A Bristol couple with learning disabilities are too afraid to have a longed-for child in case the baby is taken away from them. Andrew and Michelle Bennett, who have been together for 15 years, have already had one child adopted against their wishes.

Vulnerable and elderly people in Birmingham face a huge increase in the cost of home care services in an attempt to plug a city council cash crisis.

Few households seek specialist financial advice when paying for the care of their elderly, according to FirstStop Care Advice.

The nation’s leading social services director has spoken of his fear that the government’s personalisation agenda will leave out some of the country’s most vulnerable people.

Child poverty is not only causing extreme hardship, but is imposing a large cost on taxpayers and reducing the UK’s economic potential. At a time when the government is having to spend billions to support its economic infrastructure, new research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation published today estimates that child poverty costs at least £25 billion each year in losses to the Exchequer and in reduced GDP.

Adult social services staff have been warned to brace themselves for a substantial increase in the numbers being referred to them for help, as the credit crunch starts to take its toll on family life.

SOCIAL services chiefs in York have been told by a national watchdog they must be more consistent in the way they operate. City of York Council has received its final report following the Commission For Social Care Inspection (CSCI) analysis of the city’s services, which has outlined areas where improvements need to be made.