Over the past few weeks I have been following the continuing stories emerging in the aftermath of the conviction of 9 men for child sex offences in Rochdale. Previously I blogged on Sir Peter Smith’s admission that the agencies involved in the lives of the victims of the Rochdale sex abuse gang had made mistakes.

Now the BBC report that the leader of Rochdale Council, Colin Lambert has said the safety of children being sent to the borough ‘is not being guaranteed’. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Report’, in a programme to be aired at 20.00 tonight, Mr Lambert admitted he had been worried about the safety of young people in care for some time.

Mr Lambert spoke out against children being sent to live in care homes outside their local area. Usually the local authority sending the child will remain responsible for their progress. Although a care home might be located within one Council’s area that Council will not necessarily receive reports on their progress. Up to a third of children in care are currently estimated to be placed outside their local authority. Although there may be good reasons for placing a child outside their local area it is concerning to read reports that local authorities are failing to work together. 

Rochdale has one of the highest numbers of care homes for children, most of which are privately run. Mr Lambert expressed concerns that children were being brought into Rochdale saying ‘what we are seeing is a loophole and the safety of children is not being guaranteed’.

At Pannone we have solicitors experienced in claiming compensation for victims of child abuse. We are always concerned to hear reports that children’s safety is not being guaranteed. We hope local authorities will now work together to prevent vulnerable children being subjected to abuse.

If you have been the victim of any form of sexual abuse, or believe that somebody in your care might have been abused, click here or call now on 0800 0384 384 to discuss your claim with an expert abuse solicitor on a strictly confidential and no commitment basis.