No abstract

Closed, often tight-knit army communities can potentially provide protective factors for children; however, this environment can make it difficult to seek help or to speak out when there are concerns about children's safety or wellbeing.• The needs and experiences of non-serving parents (often female partners) can be overlooked unless, or until, child protection concerns are serious. • Army-connected children benefit from accessing army and civilian health, education and welfare services; however, transitions and communication between these services need to be improved. KEY WORDS: child maltreatment; child protection; British Army; information sharing; multidisciplinary working 'Identifies areas of 'good' child protection practice between military and civilian services, and highlights areas that require development'

The year 2015 looks set to be pivotal in determining the direction of services for children, young people and families over the rest of the decade. May's general election result and the policy shake-up that follows is likely to dominate. Regardless of who forms the next government, local authorities will be faced with tough decisions on what services to cut. Meanwhile, child poverty continues to rise, increasing demand on services. In CYP Now's 2015 Report, experts assess the challenges ahead and pinpoint the changes they want to see