The UK’s “army of unpaid carers” is being “let down” by the failing social care system, campaigners warn.

Urgent steps on way to reduce number of young people going missing, as Whitehall officials promise rethink into role of homes

Report urges appointment of special cabinet minister and says ‘millions wasted’ through lack of proper treatment

Unison survey reveals day centres have closed in 57% of areas, as independent report calls for major cultural shift in elderly care

Sheer number of images and limited resources makes identifying new abuse victims difficult, according to new study

A survey by the Department of Health reveals that over 70 per cent of people believe that the government has not got the right policies for social care.

• 18% of children live in households earning £251 or less a week
• Number rises to 3.6 million when housing costs included
• Campaigners warn of future rises as government cuts kick in
• Separate figures show leap in homelessness

DWP’s own assessment of mandatory work activity programme finds it has ‘no impact on the likelihood of being employed’

NEARLY five years after the death of Baby P, people are queuing up to become social workers in Hertfordshire.