READY SUPPLY OF VICTIMS

CHILD abusers can be mobile, cunning and organised. They target vulnerable children and children's homes provide a ready supply of victims.

The care system is still too closed, too insular.

It is too easy for children to suffer in silence because they have no one to turn to for help - people who pose a risk to children are often in positions of power. There are around 55,000 children in care in England and Wales, two thirds in foster care.

Children in foster care can be just as lonely and isolated. We cannot assume that they are safe because they are not in an old- style children's home. The way we deal with allegations of child abuse in the care system must be overhauled to ensure independent investigation.

A powerful UK Children's Commissioner could co-ordinate efforts to root abusers out of the care system.

We must make sure they never have access to children again.

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