31 October 2006
Tony Blair has praised those carrying out important work at the frontline of safeguarding the welfare of children.
Around 150 people from local government, police and the voluntary sector involved in looking after vulnerable young people were invited to a reception at Number 10.
In the UK more than 43,000 people are employed in the protection of children, including social workers and residential care workers.
At the reception, held in the State Rooms of 10 Downing Street, the PM told the gathering they had been invited to recognise the "valuable and often very difficult work you do looking after the most-vulnerable children".
"The work that you do for individual children is of such crucial importance as to whether they manage to recover a life chance that they probably feel that they’ve lost."
Earlier this month, the PM hosted a seminar to discuss a government green paper which is aiming to help children in care - known as "looked-after children."
Meeting the experts
The PM met with a few child safeguarding experts before the reception to hear their stories. Among them was:
Ann Farr, Southampton
Ann has worked in the long term social care teams in Southampton for 16 years. She has always worked directly with children and families who are extremely vulnerable, particularly children who are looked after in children’s homes, in the community and foster care. She has always been committed to ensuring that these children and young people have good life chances in their education, health and family relationships.
DC Colin Gaskell, Lancashire
Colin Gaskell started on the Family Protection Unit in June 2005. From the outset it was clear he was an outstanding officer and his first enquiry was a serious none accidental injury to a five-week old baby which would have fazed most other officers, however he dealt with this incident professionally and confidently. He ensures that child victims of crime receive the highest standards of service, in respect of investigation and support.
Tracey Shakes, Birmingham
Ms Shakes works as a Therapist for the Lucy Faithfull Foundation. Her role involves her in conducting complex assessments of children in Care proceedings, and providing advice. Her ability to respect and promote all of their wishes at the same time as safeguarding the interests of the most vulnerable child meant that an appropriate focus was maintained. She has an astonishing gift for rapport, and is able to get alongside the most traumatised and silent children in order to assist them.
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