More than 500 child protection investigations were started every
single day on average last year by councils concerned about
children at risk of harm, the Local Government Association
reveals today.
The LGA, which represents 370 councils across England and Wales,
said the "alarming" new figures show an increase from 200
investigations per day just a decade ago.
With so many children deemed to be potentially at risk, social
workers are working around the clock to investigate concerns and
if necessary put in place measures to help keep them safe from
harm.
With 90 children entering the care system every single day last
year, the LGA is calling on the Government to use the upcoming
Local Government Finance Settlement to resolve the £2billion
funding gap that is facing children’s services by 2020.
Failure to close this gap will leave many children and families
across the country, who desperately rely on these crucial
services, at risk.
Cllr , Chair of the LGA’s
Children and Young People Board, said:
“It is alarming that councils are having to undertake around 300
more investigations every day than this time 10 years ago. By
2020, our children’s services departments will be facing a
funding gap of £2 billion.
“It was extremely disappointing that last month’s Budget provided
no additional funding for children’s services. The Government has
been warned repeatedly that ongoing funding cuts have left
councils struggling to provide the support that vulnerable
children and families need.
“Children will only be taken into care if it is absolutely
necessary for their own protection. But if concerns are
raised, it is absolutely right that the council
investigates. With councils now starting 500 child
protection investigations each day, along with providing the
other vital services that they deliver, children’s services have
now reached a tipping point.
“This has to be wake up call to government that unless there is
an injection of funding to support crucial early intervention
services, many more vulnerable children and families will need
formal support from council child protection services in the
years to come.
“Last year, 75 per cent of councils were forced to overspend
their budgets by millions to ensure children at immediate risk of
harm were protected. We’ve reached the point where this
service can no longer be ignored. It is absolutely crucial that
the forthcoming Local Government Finance Settlement addresses
this funding gap.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
- 1. Section 47 of the 1989 Children Act
requires local authorities to investigate any circumstances where
they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child who lives, or
is found, in their area is suffering, or is likely to suffer,
significant harm.
- 2. Councils began 185,450 of these
so-called ‘section 47 enquiries’ during the year
ending 31 March 2017. For
the year ending 31 March
2007, this figure was 73,800.
