This Guardian investigation reports that at least 104 children in England have died over a six-year period in which living in temporary accommodation was identified as a contributing factor, raising urgent concerns about the safety of emergency housing for homeless families.

This study evaluates Ireland’s Parental Advocacy and Information Service (PAIS), showing how independent advocacy supports parents involved in child protection cases by improving their understanding of rights, strengthening communication with professionals, and enabling more meaningful participation in decision-making. It finds that advocacy can reduce emotional distress and foster more collaborative relationships, highlighting its potential to transform family support within child protection systems.

This Guardian article reports that a growing shortage of suitable accommodation for vulnerable children in England is forcing social workers to place children in illegal or unregulated settings as a “least worst option,” sometimes in hotels, carav

This video from Sky News explores why care leavers in the UK face disproportionately high rates of early death, highlighting systemic issues such as the abrupt loss of support at age 18, gaps in mental health services, and poor coordination betwee

This UK government announcement outlines a newly launched review into the deaths of vulnerable young people leaving the care system, prompted by evidence that a disproportionately high number are dying at a young age. The review—led by Ashley John-Baptiste and Clare Chamberlain—will examine individual cases to understand the circumstances and identify gaps in support, particularly during the transition to adulthood when many care leavers lose consistent social services.

This article from the Children’s Commissioner for England argues that care-experienced young people have the same aspirations as their peers but face systemic barriers that limit their opportunities, particularly in housing, education, and employment.

This article reports on a new cross-party committee report urging the UK government to apologise to the thousands of people forcibly adopted as infants between 1949 and 1976. At least 185,000 children were taken from their mothers without consent, a practice survivors describe as traumatic and life-altering.

The article explains that SOS Children’s Villages UK is planning a significant strategic shift, including moving toward becoming an independent organization separate from the international federation it has long been part of.

This briefing is intended to prompt discussion about how the use of artificial intelligence could improve the experiences of families and professionals in the family justice system in the UK. It also outlines the challenges and risks involved, and the governance required for safe usage.

The UK government has announced a £126 million investment to better support kinship carers through a new pilot program in seven areas of England.