This article reports that in 2024, over  2,000 children identified as trafficked or unaccompanied asylum seekers went missing while under the care of local authorities in the UK — 37% of 2,335 trafficked children, and 13% of 11,999 lone‑child asyl

This article highlights the experiences of Greenlandic families in Denmark whose children were taken into care following parental competency tests (FKUs), which critics say are culturally biased, conducted in Danish rather than Kalaallisut, and fa

This article notes how the UK government has announced a review of the National Protocol aimed at reducing the unnecessary criminalisation of children in care and care leavers, responding to evidence that they are disproportionately cautioned or c

This article reports that Alf Dubs, a veteran Labour peer and former child refugee, strongly criticized the new asylum proposals by the Home Office under Shabana Mahmood, accusing the government of “using children as a weapon.” The proposed reform

This article describes how the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in Ireland, Norma Foley, has announced the start of a consultation process for the forthcoming “National Policy Framework on Alternative Care” which aims to shape Irelan

This Guardian article tells the story of Craig, who became homeless at 13 after running away from a children’s home in Nottingham.

The Family Network Pilot (FNP) aims to help UK children stay safely within their extended families and prevent entry into care by providing Family Group Conferences and Family Network Support Packages. This report evaluates the pilot’s implementation, processes, and impacts across seven local authorities, using qualitative research and monitoring data analysis.

This study examines Norwegian birth parents’ perspectives on the support they need for successful family reunification, revealing significant gaps in guidance, financial assistance, and help mobilizing social networks. The findings underscore that low trust in child welfare services can hinder parents’ willingness to accept support, highlighting the need for stronger institutional collaboration and tailored assistance before, during, and after reunification.

The Children’s Commissioner’s report “The Criminalisation of Children in Care” reveals a deeply concerning pattern: children in care in the UK are disproportionately drawn into the criminal justice system, often for low-level incidents that, in a family setting, would be handled without police involvement. To address this, the Commissioner calls for a strengthened, statutory protocol among police, local authorities, and youth services; better diversion pathways; a more child-friendly prosecution process; increased legal aid and training; more stable, high-quality care placements; and improved data sharing to monitor and prevent harmful police involvement.

CELCIS’ October 2025 webinar explored recent developments in residential child care across Scotland, featuring insights on nurture-based practice, shifts in inspection approaches aligned with The Promise, and staff development through reflective practice. Speakers highlighted how new care models, regulatory changes, and whole-system approaches are strengthening practice and improving outcomes for children and young people.