Young runaways need more protection and better support - Burstow

1.04.05pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 23rd Dec 2006

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, has launched a motion in parliament calling for greater funding and an improved national strategy to help the 100,000 young children that run away each year. Mr Burstow's motion marks the launch of an NSPCC report assessing the work done by the London Refuge for young runaways and the provision made for the children after they leave.

The London Refuge is the only shelter in the country offering fixed, short term accommodation, to young runaways, who can stay for up to 14 nights without parental consent. The report highlights the need for further funding to establish a network of similar refuges around the country. The report also focused on the support available once children leave the refuge.

Speaking about his motion Mr Burstow said;

"The London Refuge offers a vital safe haven to protect vulnerable runaway children from the dangers of drugs, crime and prostitution."

"Given its success, it is a travesty that it is the only place of its kind in the country."

"That is why I'm calling for the government to take a role in setting up more refuges, right across the country."

"Refuges on their own are not enough though: it is essential that the government establishes a national strategy to support those children who see running way as the only way to escape problems at home"

Notes to Editors:

National Strategy for Young Runaways EDM

That this house welcomes the NSPCC's Beyond Refuge Report calling for greater funding and a more appropriate and informed national strategy to help the100,000 young children that run away each year; highlights with concern that under current provision the likelihood of continued family breakdown and repeated running away, also highlights the increased dangers of such children being open to exploitation, and involvement in criminal and harmful activities; calls on the government to review its current provision in this area and incorporate the recommendations of the report into a national strategy to protect young runaways, including the swift establishment of a national network of safe places for children and young people.

The report is entitled Beyond Refuge Supporting Young Runaways and was launched by the NSPCC on 27th November 2006.

A copy of the report and an executive summary can be found at http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/NewsAndEvents/InformNews/NewsBeyondRefuge_ifna40798.html

The London Refuge is the only shelter in the country offering fixed, short term accommodation, to young runaways, who can stay for up to 14 nights without parental consent. (most children stay for only 1 or 2 days). Working under section 51 of the Children's act the Refuge can offer accommodation to those under 16 without needing their parents consent. The refuge has 6 beds and takes 11-15 years olds and occasionally 16-17 year olds.

Whilst there are similar refuges in Glasgow and Totnes, Totnes does not have the same type of fixed accommodation and neither Glasgow nor Totnes work under Section 51 of the children's act.

The report formed part of a 13 month study with a four month period looking at the life of the Refuge (Aug-Nov 2003) .Of 89 admissions 31 cases were studied, 23 girls, 8 boys. ¾ from BME. In depth interviews were undertaken with 22 young people 19 parents 17 professional. The report was funded by by Children's and Young Peoples Unit through St Christopher's Fellowship with day-to-day support provided by the NSPCC Research Department.