Child Care Solicitors

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has issued guidance to GPs on how to spot the signs of child abuse, cyber bullying, child trafficking and children who are being groomed in extremism.

GPs are in effect now becoming a gateway service for identifying children at risk in the community – or youngsters who may have been exposed to extremist views.

To help them identify children at risk, the children charity the NSPCC and the RCGP will be sending GPs a toolkit to help them make “informed and confident” decisions about recognised signs of bullying and abuse in young people.

Child abuse now includes practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and even forced marriage.

Chair of the RCGP Maureen Baker said:

“Children and young people today are facing unprecedented pressures from all angles at a younger and younger age.

“The arrival of the Internet and social media has opened up so many opportunities – but has also brought many threats, including cyber-bullying, sexting and revenge porn. Because of the anonymity offered by the Internet, many children and young people run a higher risk of being harmed or exploited.

“A consultation with a GP may be the only time that young people can be alone with a trusted adult – and we have a number of roles to play in providing understanding, compassion and support.”

Duncan Lewis Children Lawyers

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of children lawyers and can advise on childcare matters, including:

• Care proceedings
• Child abuse
• Child contact and residence
• Children taken in Local Authority care
• Court of Protection
• International child abduction
• Wills and trusts.

Duncan Lewis is also a leading firm of Legal Aid solicitors and can advise on childcare matters under UK law or Islamic law.

For expert legal advice on childcare and family law, call Duncan Lewis children lawyers on 020 7923 4020.