PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
MAKE RUNAWAYS SAFE CAMPAIGN (5 July 2011)

That this House commends The Children's Society on the launch of their Make Runaways Safe campaign which seeks to protect every child who runs away; notes that over 100,000 children run away each year with many being forced to leave home whilst others are fleeing conflict, neglect or abuseand that over two-thirds of these are not reported missing to the police; is concerned at the serious risks these children face, exposed to violence, criminality, substance misuse and sexual exploitation on the streets; regrets that currently most children who run away do not get the help they need; calls on local authorities and agencies to make sure that these children are identified and receive advice, guidance, help and support they need to stay safe; and urges the Government to provide a national safety net for young runaways to protect them from harm.

Sponsored by:
Ann Coffey (The Independent Group for Change)