NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR YOUNG RUNAWAYS

That this House welcomes the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children's Beyond Refuge report calling for greater funding and a more appropriate and informed national strategy to help the 100,000 young children that run away each year; highlights with concern that under current provision the likelihood of continued family breakdown and repeated running away increases; further highlights the increased dangers of such children being open to exploitation, and involvement in criminal and harmful activities; and calls on the Government to review its current provision in this area and to incorporate the recommendations of the report on a national strategy to protect young runaways, including the swift establishment of a national network of safe places for children and young people.