Social Policy Digest.

This article summarizes social policy studies published in the "Journal of Social Policy" from November 1998 to January 1999. An analysis of child support draws out lessons for future policy. The number of "live" and assessed child support cases rose to 827,300 in August 1998. A scheme to secure child support from self-employed parents was extended nationally. The limiting of child support arrears collection to six months was extended. A study shows how poverty affects young people living in families on benefit. A survey showed almost one in seven calls to a helpline were made a year or more after initial concern about ill-treatment of a child. Most children in care are unaware of complaints procedures, according to a charity. In its response to the Utting review of safeguards for children living away from home, the government proposed a £375 million programme of action over three years, including extending local authorities' duty of care from age 16 to 18. Research shows good children's homes tend to small and encourage contact with families.