Barnardo's has responded to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, introduced to Parliament today.
Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said:
“We welcome the decision to make it illegal for sports coaches and faith leaders to have sexual relationships with 16 and 17-year-olds in their care. This is a long-awaited change that will help to protect children from being groomed by adults in a position of trust.
“We are concerned that a year of lockdowns could lead to a surge in youth violence. Vulnerable children who have spent months out of school are at greater risk of exploitation and control by criminal gangs. The Government is right to propose a new duty on local agencies to tackle serious violence, but this must be accompanied by a long-term sustainable funding package so they can deliver the vital work needed to help keep children safe and restore their belief in a positive future.
“The bill also contains provisions for tougher criminal justice measures. We would urge the Government to make sure that children’s circumstances and vulnerability are always taken into account, including where they have been coerced or exploited. Children are not born with weapons or drugs in their hands. We are also clear that the only way to prevent serious youth violence is for Government, schools, police, local authorities, charities and other partners to work together towards a shared, long-term plan, focusing on early support for young people who may be at risk.”