Runaway Children

Education written question – answered at on 28 November 2011.

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Photo of Chris Kelly Chris Kelly Conservative, Dudley South

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to ensure that there is a national network to provide assistance for children who run away.

Photo of Tim Loughton Tim Loughton The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education

It is the responsibility of local authorities to provide services and targeted support to safeguard the young and the vulnerable, including those who run away from home or care.

The Department takes this issue very seriously and will be revising the statutory guidance for local authorities on children who run away or go missing from home or care to ensure that it is easily accessible and, most importantly, helpful for schools, local authorities and children's services.

The Department will also work to ensure that there is a clear distinction in the upcoming Missing Persons Strategy about the situation of children and young people who run away. In addition, the 'Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation Action Plan' published on 23 November, highlights that certain factors in a child's life, such as running away from home or experience of domestic violence, can make them more vulnerable to being sexually exploited and should be safeguarded.

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