We must care for the vulnerable

AT a time when the appalling murders of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells have caused people in this country to cherish children more than usual and wonder whether sufficient safeguards are in place to protect them, a report from Barnardos makes for very disturbing reading.

Basically, too many children are not adequately protected from danger and risk. Too many of them still live in poverty, are homeless, and have no access to local and affordable childcare.

In essence, it illustrates that, as a society, this country pays more lip service to child welfare and is seriously remiss in providing for the needs of those who are most vulnerable among us.