Research by the ADCS indicates that numbers of children looked after due to abuse or neglect increased by 53.3 per cent in the past three years.
The research is supported by national government statistics released today, which show an increase in the number of children being referred to social workers, being assessed and those identified as requiring protection through a child protection plan. The government data covers 142 of the 152 local authorities in England.
Marion Davis, ADCS president, said child protection services are struggling to cope. "There must be a significant shift from earlier identification to earlier intervention, with local authorities and partner agencies working together to prevent or mitigate problems before they become more serious, and more costly to solve," she said.
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