News

Over half of Welsh Councils are ‘breaking the law over looked-after children’

Published

2 years ago

April 5, 2023

TWELVE Welsh councils are engaging in unlawful practice according to Welsh Conservative research which found that at least 20 looked-after children have been placed in unregistered care settings.

At least 16 under-16s are also being placed in unregulated care settings – something that has been outlawed in England but remains permissible in Wales.

Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Social Services, Gareth Davies MS said: “It is extremely concerning to see so many councils breaking the law when it comes to children in unregistered and unregulated care settings. The UK Conservative Government don’t allow the latter practice in England, yet in Wales there are many children potentially at risk.

“In the light of recent, poignant tragedies such as the deaths of Logan Mwangi and Kaylea Titford, we need to make sure that we get this right, work with these councils and have children’s safety at the forefront of our minds.

“The Labour Government in Wales needs to step in to urgently chase up these individual cases and ensure regulations are enforced and on par with the UK. There does not need to be any divergence.”

The research found that three councils have children only in unregulated settings, four have children only in unregistered settings, while eight councils have children in both.

Unregistered placements are care settings not registered with the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW). Placing under-16s here is illegal. The sector says these placements are often used following an emergency placement breakdown or because a nearby suitable placement in a foster, residential or secure setting cannot be found.

These must only be used as a last resort when all other options have been unsuccessful and for as short a time as possible.

Unregulated placements are care settings that are not regulated under the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 (RISCA). This means young people can live in accommodation that does not provide care and, therefore, isn’t required to register with CIW.

The accommodation options can vary greatly, from ‘When I’m Ready’ placements, supported lodgings placements, semi-independent living arrangements or completely independent accommodation, and even places like hostels and B&B’s. Some 16/17 year olds do not necessarily have to live in regulated accommodation, as from 16 some can begin the process of leaving care, but under-16s should not be in these settings.

The National Youth Advocacy Service says placing children in unregulated settings should be banned. In England, the UK Government made it illegal from September 2021 to house care-experienced children up to the age of 15 in unregulated accommodation. The UK Government is working towards a form of regulation for all currently unregulated homes by 2024.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

49 mins ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

2 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.