Daily Safeguarding Update

Self-harm warning signs can appear decade earlier

Early warning signs of self-harm can appear in children almost a decade before it starts, say researchers.
The team at the University of Cambridge found two distinct groups that were more likely to damage themselves.
The first included those who struggle to control their emotions, and the second featured youngsters more willing to take risks than others their age.
The findings may mean there is a large window of opportunity to improve children’s mental health.
For the full story, select here.

A BBC investigation has found that new powers to protect stalking victims are not being used by some UK police forces.
Stalking protection orders (SPOs) were introduced in January last year to make it easier for victims to get support.
Despite a rise in stalking offences during lockdown, some police forces had not issued a single order.
The Home Office is set to meet with the police to bolster the figures as forces improve training for officers.
Victims of stalking have called for better education and training so officers can recognise when action is needed to apply for an order.
For the full story, select here.

Proposed legislation will give Irish police the power to compel people to provide passwords for electronic devices when carrying out a search under warrant .
The change is part of the Garda Síochána [Irish Police] Bill published by Irish Justice Minister Heather Humphreys on Monday.
Gardaí will also be required to make a written record of a stop and search.
This will enable data to be collected so the effectiveness and use of the powers can be assessed.
Special measures will be introduced for suspects who are children and suspects who may have impaired capacity.
For the full story, select here.

The Government has condemned a Catholic sex education resource which says men are the “initiators” of sexual relationships. 
In January, iNews revealed that a resource called A Fertile Heart – which also says that contraception is “wrong” and suggests gay people should abstain from sex – was being taught in schools in Wales and at least one in England. 
The Conservative MP for Herefordshire Jesse Norman wrote to the school’s minister Nick Gibb after complaints that St Mary’s Roman Catholic High School in his constituency was using it. 
He said “I am concerned that A Fertile Heart contains content that would be hard for a school to present in a school setting in a way that is consistent with the relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) statutory guidance”
For the full story, select here.