THE VOICES of children and young people are often completely ignored, said the children’s commissioner for Wales today.

That is the message coming from Keith Towler, children’s commissioner for Wales, as he launches his annual report and accounts for 2012/13.

Mr Towler said: “As I look back over the past 12 months there is one critical theme which has dominated the work of my office, and that is the issue of safeguarding.

“Sadly, all too often cases brought to my attention are a stark reminder of the severity of insufficient safeguarding arrangements, coupled with the fact that often, the voices of children and young people are completely ignored.”

The children’s commissioner and his team are urging all who have a duty to protect children and young people to ensure they maintain a common sense approach of listening to children and young people and acting on their concerns.

Mr Towler added: “It’s crucial we don’t lose sight of children and young people. They have very particular needs and should be treated with special care and attention.”

In the last year, the office of the children’s commissioner received 99 calls, 48 of which were related to abuse in north Wales homes, with 24 calls relating to abuse elsewhere.