SHONA HAS SIGNED UP TO the 'I Stand For Children' campaign run by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

The campaign has been launched to ensure that the welfare of young people is not forgotten in the next Parliamentary session and that the protection of children remains a top priority. The campaign is also proposing a new law to allow social workers to meet at-risk youths alone without a parent.

Of the campaign, Shona said:

"I was more than happy to sign up for 'I Stand for Children'. I care deeply about the issue and will do all I can to ensure that we end cruelty to young people.

"I have supported the work of the NSPCC for a long time - well before I entered Parliament, in fact - and am constantly impressed by the good work they do all across the country."

The campaign is calling on the Government to address six main points:

• Continue to fund helpline services for children and adults concerned about the safety and welfare of a child;
• Make the Internet safer for children;
• Tackle domestic violence from a child's point of view;
• Ensure that vital child protection improvements take place so that tragedies like the death of Baby Peter and others since are not allowed to happen again;
• Provide more resources for therapeutic services for children who have experienced abuse;
• Strengthen the role of the Children's Commissioner in England to act as an independent voice for children.

For more information on the issue visit: www.istandforchildren.com

15 March 2010