The Children’s Society’s network of projects across the country are being approached by increasing numbers of children, young people and their families who have fallen into destitution.

A WELL-USED social club for people recovering from mental illness could close for lack of funding. The Spanners group, based at St John’s Church Hall, in Church Lane, Loughton, has helped hundreds of adults become more integrated in the community since it was set up in 1998.

England will face a double blow if Social Work services are cut as the financial crisis affects more and more vulnerable families that are hitting the poverty line and struggling to cope, say the British Association of Social Workers (BASW).

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.

The coalition government’s plans to means-test the Child Trust Fund and cut tax credits for higher earning families will do little to reduce inequalities, child poverty campaigners have warned.

THE inquiry into how sensitive data of 9,000 school children was stolen from the home of a Barnet Council employee will be headed up by an ex-senior local government officer.

The number of applications for care proceedings made by local authorities has continued to rise, with the latest figures showing a record 832 cases reported in March alone.

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.