Social Services directors are warning they will speak out strongly on behalf of people who need care if spending cuts prevent them getting support. The warning comes in a letter to the Care Minister sent at the same time as a briefing paper to all MPs and 400 peers setting out what the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services see as their four key priorities.

The overwhelming majority of young people feel they are treated fairly, but children perceived to be “different” think they are most likely to be receive unfair treatment, according to a report by the children’s rights director for England.

A doctor missed ‘a unique opportunity’ to save Baby P from being tortured to death eight days before, it was claimed today.

A PRIVATE firm has been brought in to carry out home care to people in areas of Furness. Cumbria County Council has brought in Ulverston-based Lakeland Care to provide home visits for people needing adult social care across Askam, Ireleth and Kirkby.

Nottingham City Council is struggling to cope with child social services cases because of a lack of staff. It has written to schools, the NHS, voluntary groups and others asking them not to refer cases unless absolutely necessary.

A GROUNDBREAKING project in Lancashire to provide people who have dementia with information and advice on support and care options will be launched in early July.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is to launch a probe into disability hate crimes and harassment after figures revealed that a person appears in court every working day charged with abusing the disabled – often violently.

A child protection boss has resigned ahead of a damning report by government inspectors. Michael Kemp – head of child protection at Salford council for the past six years – has quit his post.

The Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) has announced a major expansion of their safeguarding services with the appointment of two new Safeguarding and Policy Advisors. The new advisors are Justin Humphreys and Claudia Bell.

NEARLY half of suicides among ten to 14-year-olds are due to bullying, according to research. Charity Beatbullying said yesterday that out of 59 cases of child suicide reported in the national media between 2000 and 2008, 26 were definitely connected to bullying.