Disabled children, children with emotional and behavioural difficulties and young children are at higher risk of abuse or harm. Column 587 encountered. Bullying appeared to be ignored in some children's homes. The mix of fearsome children and vulnerable children amounts to abuse by the system which was supposed to give protection. Vetting of child care staff and foster parents must be improved.
Unacceptable delays arise in checking criminal records.
Staff who suspect child abuse can be deterred from coming forward for fear of victimisation by other staff or managers. Some directors of social services say they are reluctant to dismiss staff as their decisions can be overturned on appeal. The criminal justice system is ineffective in deterring offences against children and in securing convictions. Prison Service policy to keep children in separate accommodation is not being achieved. Suicide, self-harm and endemic bullying occur.