New research has raised “particular concern” about significant links between a small group of young people and the youth justice system. The study found that, based on the information available, children in residential care featured to a disproportionate extent at the serious end of the youth justice system (the courts and detention centre). The Care and Justice report said many charges that young people accumulate relate directly to their behaviour while in care, such as destruction of property and assault of care staff. It said use of private residential care has increased and is often used to accommodate children with the most difficulties, and that its cost has recently increased because of insurance costs. The report said insurance companies were requesting to see the “profile of children” being accommodated before agreeing to provide insurance. Researchers were told that the rising insurance costs was on the back of significant payouts for assaults on … [Read more...] about Children in care link to justice system
Children
Most supplements for children do not contain enough vitamin D
Most vitamin supplements for children do not contain enough vitamin D, research by Oxford study has found. Parents are advised that all children aged one to four should have a daily supplement, to prevent rickets, a condition that affects bone development in children and which can lead to the growth of soft, weak and deformed limbs. It is difficult to get enough vitamin D from diet, and the main source is sunshine. However, the weather in the UK means that there is limited exposure to sunlight from November to March. Public Health England (PHE) recommends that children aged one to four receive a daily 10 microgram (400IU) vitamin D supplement. Those aged under one should be given a 8.5 to 10 microgram daily vitamin D supplement to ensure they get enough. But the study found that at least two thirds of products on the market contain insufficient levels. Researchers from the universities of Oxford and Southampton examined vitamins aimed at children sold by Asda, Morrisons, Ocado, … [Read more...] about Most supplements for children do not contain enough vitamin D
Families need more support in early years to give children ‘best possible start’
News / UK and world by Press Association February 26, 2019, 5:09 am Send us a story Sign up to our Daily newsletter Families should be given more support during a child’s early years to ensure youngsters are getting the best possible start in life, a committee of MPs has warned. The first 1,000 days of a child’s life is a “critical phase” in their development and what happens during that period can have lifelong consequences on their health and wellbeing, the Health and Social Care Committee said. Poverty, poor housing and parents with mental health problems can all have an effect on a child’s development, they said, with those who have adverse experiences in childhood more likely to suffer poorer health later in life. According to the MPs’ report, nearly a third of children have not reached a level of development known as “school readiness” by the age of five. The cross-party group urged the Government to … [Read more...] about Families need more support in early years to give children ‘best possible start’
The poorest children who will die years before the richest
The poorest boys born in Coventry will die more than a decade before the richest - and the gap is getting wider. Shocking figures have revealed the average boy born in Coventry and Warwickshire between 2015 and 2017 will live to be 78 years and four months old. But boys born into the most deprived 10 per cent of families can expect to die 10 years and 11 months before those born into the least deprived 10 per cent. And what's more, that gap has risen from nine years and eight months for boys born between 2013 and 2015. Dr Max Davie, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Officer for Health Promotion, said: “Sadly, child poverty lies at the root of many risk factors for children and young people’s health, as well as mortality. “We know that children born in the most deprived areas of the UK are more likely to have negative health outcomes than their more affluent peers. “This is unacceptable, and with child poverty predicted to increase over the next … [Read more...] about The poorest children who will die years before the richest
Multivitamins aimed at children fail to provide enough vitamin D, study says
MOST multivitamins aimed at children fail to provide enough vital vitamin D, a study claims. Scientists even discovered one product contained zero levels of the nutrient, which strengthens bones. Oxford and Southampton University researchers tested 67 products labelled as containing vitamin D or promoting “healthy bones”. However, only one in four provided the daily 400IU (International Units) recommended by Public Health England. Of 24 specific vitamin D products, only five had the recommended amount. Low levels are common in UK kids, particularly during winter, and deficiencies can lead to rickets — soft, weak bones. Known as the “sunshine vitamin”, it is created by the body when exposed to sunlight. Dr Benjamin Jacobs, of the Royal College of Paediatrics, said the findings were “highly concerning”. SUN, SEA AND STIS Teenage lad claims he's had sex with 60 girls - and never used a condom DEADLY EPIDEMIC Plague dubbed Disease X could kill … [Read more...] about Multivitamins aimed at children fail to provide enough vitamin D, study says