The figures go against Government thinking spelled out in Every ChildMatters that early intervention schemes would reduce the numbers ofchildren in care. But professionals believe this does not mean thesystem is not working and instead say it is proving more efficient athelping families in need.
The rise in numbers was revealed at last week's Looked-After Children:Early inter- vention and specialist services conference run by PrioryEducation Services. Barbara Evans, head of safeguarding and corporateparenting at the council, said there were 198 looked-after children atthe year ending 31 March 2006, while at 31 March 2007 there were231.
Following the increase, Telford carried out an analysis that foundchildren are receiving early intervention through the council's workwith midwives and primary schools. Evans said: "It's working in terms ofsupport being put in early, but in some cases it's not enough to keepthe children at home." Evans believes the increase is due to the factthat early intervention is only just being rolled-out.
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