Children are particularly affected. But will the unfolding political drama leave any room for serious action?
Around 180,000 of them in England are missing out on support, because they are not known to their local authority.
Children are being groomed, raped, and trafficked, because the authorities are still not doing their jobs properly.
Decision-makers are merely trying to appease those who would rather keep schools closed.
“We must take decisive action and now,” says de Souza. “Arthur’s voice was not heard. The system didn’t hear him.”
The pandemic has put huge pressure on the courts, separated parents, and their children. Vital reforms are ready to go.
Here are three measures the Department of Education should take to stop this from happening.
In Suffolk, there are robust plans for the Council to work with schools and parents to ensure that expert help is provided.
New legislation is required with serious penalties. Child safeguarding is a red line, and tanks are already being allowed to trundle over it.
Improved educational provision is key. Increased use of boarding schools can offer a greater chance of stability.
Doing so won’t get us to the promised land of herd immunity, and may well compromise their immuno-response systems.
Children in care are denied the opportunities available to others. Levelling up must include transforming their life chances.
Children make up around 20 per cent of the population – yet CAMHS only receives 6.4 per cent of mental health spending.
Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Wiltshire have cut off funding. Some Labour councils have also pulled out.
The current laws result in discrimination against lower income households.