System 'fails' vulnerable teenagers

The child protection system in England is failing vulnerable teenagers and is in urgent need of review, MPs have been warned.

The Commons Education Committee said that while local authorities have a duty to safeguard all children up to the age of 18, too often the needs of older youngsters are not met.

It said child care professionals need to understand that a teenager could be a vulnerable "child in need" just as much as a younger child.

The committee's report comes against the backdrop of the Jimmy Savile child abuse allegations and the Rochdale child grooming case. It said that its inquiry uncovered a "worrying picture" of the protection and support available to children in the 14-18 age group.

"This is characterised by a lack of services for adolescents, a failure to look beyond behavioural problems, a lack of recognition of the signs of neglect and abuse in teenagers, and a lack of understanding about the long-term impact on them," the report said. "It is clear that the system as a whole is still failing this particular group in key ways."

The committee expressed particular concern about the position of children who are leaving care and the range of accommodation and support that is provided to them.

It said the regulator, Ofsted, should monitor and report on the provision made for older children - "taking into account the views of the children themselves" - as a standard part of all local authority inspections. It also raised the issue of children who are the victims of trafficking and the "tension" between child protection and immigration policies.

Matthew Reed, chief executive of the Children's Society, said: "This is a very welcome and important report, which highlights that far too often children are treated as the problem and denied the protection they desperately need and deserve. It is crucial children's needs come first at all times - regardless of how old they are, where they come from or what circumstances they face."

A Department for Education spokesman said: "We welcome the education committee's report and its recognition of the 'significant and very positive developments in the child protection system in the last few years'.

"However, we also recognise that there is much more to do. It is unacceptable for any teenager to be abused or neglected. Children must be protected from harm whatever their age."