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Met Police child abuse unit investigates children’s charity (31 July 2015)

Date: 31/07/2015
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Met Police child abuse unit investigates children’s charity

The Metropolitan Police are investigating allegations involving the children’s charity Kids Company.

BBC News reports that the complex case team of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command is leading the investigation, although the charity issued a statement saying that said it was not aware of the nature of any allegations.

Police are calling for anyone who has information to contact them or the NSPCC. Southwark Council has asked the NSPCC to set up a helpline for anyone who might have been affected on 0808 800 5000.

The Kids Company was founded in 1996 and has centres in London, Liverpool and Bristol.

Children’s campaigner Camila Batmanghelidjh runs the charity – which offers practical, emotional and educational support to deprived and vulnerable inner city children and young people.

The police investigation was launched after information was given by a former employee of Kids Company to an investigation by BBC Newsnight and BuzzFeed News.

It is reported that the allegations raised concerns with an independent expert about the safeguarding of young people – and details from an interview with the charity’s former employee were passed to the relevant authorities with the individual's consent.

It is also reported that three former employees told BBC Newsnight and BuzzFeed News about individual serious incidents at two of the charity's sites, the details of which it is alleged were not passed to the police or social services.

Police officers and the London Borough of Southwark's social services have now interviewed two of these former Kids Company employees.

The allegations made to the BBC cover a five-year period and involve “a small number of incidents”.

However, police and local officials believe that if staff at the charity failed to pass information on, the allegations need to be investigated fully – and there are concerns that some local young adults and children may need counselling and support.

In July, the charity faced scrutiny about the way it was run and whether government funding would continue.

In a statement, Kids Company affirmed that its first priority was “the safety and security of all the children, young people and adults we support and protect”.

“The organisation operates robust policies and procedures that ensure all Kids Company's clients are protected – and that staff work safely with clients at all times,” the statement reads.

“Kids Company's policies and procedures are externally reviewed regularly by an expert consultant – and are governed by a risk sub-committee comprised of senior clinicians and representatives from the board of trustees.

“All allegations of misconduct between Kids Company employees and clients are immediately reported to the police if required.”

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There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence lawyer can usually reach a police station within 45 minutes for police interview under caution.

For expert legal advice on all criminal charges – including sexual offences and child abuse offences – call Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

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