Increasing numbers of children 'at risk of abuse'

Statistics published by the Department for Education show that by the end of March this year, there were 49,700, a 2.9 per cent increase on the same point in 2014 when the total stood at 48,300.

The figure has risen by 27.1 per cent since March 2010 when there were 39,100 children on child protection plans.

The government figures show that the increase over the past year has been largely driven by an increase in suspected neglect.

In 2015, a total of 22,230 children were on child protection plans due to neglect, compared with 20,970 in 2014 – a rise of six per cent. Children on child protection plans due to sexual abuse also increased by 5.9 per cent, from 2,210 in 2014 to 2,340 in 2015.

Meanwhile, numbers of children on protection plans due to emotional abuse also increased, from 15,860 in 2014 to 16,660 in 2015 – a rise of five per cent.

Children subject to a child protection plan due to physical abuse fell 8.6 per cent, from 4,760 in 2014 to 4,350 in 2015.

The increase in children on child protection plans comes despite an increase in the number of referrals being made to local authorities.

The statistics show that there were 635,600 referrals in the year ending 31 March 2015 – down three per cent from 657,800 the previous year.

However, the number of Section 47 enquiries carried out – which take place when a local authority identifies there is reasonable cause to suspect the child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm – has increased.

In 2014/15, a total of 160,150 Section 47 enquiries were initiated – an increase of 12 per cent on last year.

Meanwhile, the number of children in need – those requiring local authority support due to disability, health or development issues – decreased slightly this year. There were 391,000 children in need in March this year compared with 397,600 last year, a decrease of two per cent.