Barnardo's Chief Executive Javed Khan said:
"Over the last year we have seen the devastating impact of the
pandemic on the children, young people and families we support.
It’s essential that this generation is supported to recover and
thrive, so we welcome the Government’s commitment to supporting
children to have the best start in life and catch up on lost
learning. However, this must be the first step in a wider plan
for children – which tackles the crisis in mental health and
provides community-based support to all families - from pregnancy
to 19 – to catch problems before they escalate.
“The last few months have highlighted the urgent need to tackle
violence against women and girls, and we know that for children,
trauma from domestic abuse, sexual exploitation and abuse by
other young people – as outlined on the Everyone’s
Invited website – can last a lifetime. I welcome the
commitment to a Victim’s Law and believe this must include a
guarantee of specialist support for all victims, including
children.
“The renewed promise to regulate the internet is also welcome. We
have been awaiting the Online Safety Bill for several years now
and it’s vital the Government brings it forward as quickly as
possible. Every day, children across the UK are suffering harm
online, and the risk has only increased during Covid-19. Any
further delay to legislation will mean children are left
unprotected for longer.
“Throughout the pandemic I have said that charities are the glue
that holds society together, and in challenging times they
provide a safety net for the most vulnerable in society. I’m
pleased the Government recognises this and is committed to
further support for the voluntary sector. During the pandemic,
the Barnardo's-led See, Hear, Respond partnership showed how
charities can work together at speed to support those who need us
most, and we look forward to working with the Government as these
proposals develop."
