No Child Left Behind: Keeping Kids in School and Safe From Criminal Exploitation

No child left behind: protecting young people from county lines and school exclusion.

Every year, thousands of children across the UK are drawn into the dangerous world of county lines gangs. At the same time, growing numbers of school exclusions leave vulnerable young people without the structure, routine and protection they desperately need.

In this episode of Care Visions Family Talk, host Lucy Johnston speaks with Baroness Anne Longfield, Chair of the Commission on Young Lives and former Children’s Commissioner for England. Together, they explore why children in care and those excluded from school are at greater risk of exploitation - and what carers, foster carers and parents can do to keep them safe.

Baroness Longfield shares practical advice on spotting the warning signs of grooming, explains why exclusions can be a tipping point, and outlines the urgent reforms she believes are needed to protect vulnerable teenagers. She also highlights real stories of children whose lives were changed because a carer noticed the danger and acted.

For every foster carer, parent or kinship carer who has worried about a child’s safety, this is a must‑listen.

About our host:

Lucy Johnston - is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster with a long-standing commitment to social affairs, health, and children’s welfare. As a writer and host of the Care Visions Family Talk podcast, she shares powerful stories about young people in care and explores the systems that shape their lives. With a background in investigative reporting, Lucy began her career at The Big Issue before moving to The Observer and later The Sunday Express, where she is Health and Social Affairs Editor. Her work has exposed neglect in care homes, failures in mental health services, and injustices faced by vulnerable children and families.

More About Our Guest:

Baroness Anne Longfield, Executive Chair & Founder, Centre for Young Lives

Baroness Anne Longfield is a passionate champion for children, and she has spent the last four decades at the forefront of influencing and shaping the national debate and policy agenda to boost the life chances of children, particularly the most vulnerable.

In February 2024, Anne founded and became Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives, a dynamic, innovative, independent think tank and delivery unit dedicated exclusively to improving the lives of children, young people, and families in the UK.

Prior to this Anne established and chaired the Commission on Young Lives, an independent commission to develop a new national plan to protect vulnerable teenagers from harm and exploitation, and to support them to succeed. The Commission put forward ambitious and innovative proposals, several of which have been adopted by the UK Government, including a “Sure Start for Teenagers”, Young Futures.

From March 2015 to February 2021, Anne was Children’s Commissioner for England championing the rights and interests of children and young people by acting as children’s ‘eyes and ears’ in the corridors of power.

Anne previously led a national children’s charity delivering a nationwide network of children’s centres, and she also worked on the development of the Sure Start programme in the No 10 Strategy Unit under Prime Minister Tony Blair.  She spent many years campaigning for better childcare at a time when many saw these issues as obscure or niche.

Anne regularly authors articles and appears on broadcast media. Her book, “Young Lives, Big Ambitions” was published in April 2024. Anne has received honorary doctorates from Newcastle Upon Tyne and Sheffield Hallam Universities.

Over the years, we’ve learned so much—by listening to young people and their families, and by working with leading experts in child development and well-being. Now, we want to share that knowledge with you. We know every parent or carer is doing their best, but let’s face it: parenting and caring can be tough at times, no matter who you are. That’s where we come in. Sometimes, a few helpful tips or a bit of advice from someone who's been there can make all the difference. 

Care Visions Family Talk is a series of events, hosted by Dr.Linda De Caestecker. Each session will feature guest experts in parenting and child development, offering practical insights and strategies to support your journey as a parent or carer. Every session will be followed by a Q&A or open discussion, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, share your experiences, or simply listen.

We welcome every parent or caregiver to join us, and while we’re committed to keeping things relaxed and welcoming, we do ask everyone to follow a few simple guidelines:  

• No judgment, no shame: This is a safe space for everyone.  
• Keep it clear: We’ll make sure the conversation is accessible to all. If there’s any jargon, we’ll explain it. 
• Curiosity is key-: There’s no such thing as a silly question—ask anything! 
• Join in as much or as little as you like: Whether you want to participate or just listen, that’s entirely up to you. 

During each session, you’re free to ask questions or share comments..