23 May 2016
Children in care: our response to the Laming Review
Chief officers have responded to today's independent review of children in care chaired by Lord Laming. The review calls for a coherent programme of reform, led from the top of government, to help improve the life chances of looked after children and prevent future crime.
National Police Chiefs' Council Lead on Children and Young People, Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney said:
“We welcome this important piece of work. Looked after children are one of four priority areas in our current strategy for policing young people and we are determined to treat them with the respect, fairness and understanding they deserve. No child should be criminalised unnecessarily.
“It’s important to remember that many looked after children have experienced serious trauma or neglect. They are a vulnerable group with complex needs and a unique relationship with those around them.
“All agencies, including the police, must work together more effectively to intervene early and prevent harm. Officers should not be called to minor incidents which would otherwise be handled within a family home.
“We will use these findings to drive forward our response. Children are children first and foremost, no matter what their background.”
The NPCC National Strategy for the Policing of Children and Young People is available here: http://www.npcc.police.uk/documents/edhr/2015/CYP%20Strategy%202015_2017_August%202015.pd
Contact information
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By phone: 0800 538 5058
By email: press.office@npcc.police.uk