NSPCC helpline reports rise in neglect concerns

The charity helpline received 17,089 calls from people reporting signs of child neglect in 2013/14, up from around 13,389 the year before.
 
The number of neglect cases the NSPCC referred to police and children’s services also rose dramatically from 18,345 in 2012/13 to 24,041 in 2013/14 year.
 
The data shows that neglect calls were the main reason people contacted the NSPCC, which accounted for 31 per cent of all contact made with the charity.
 
John Cameron, head of the NSPCC helpline, praised the number of people contacting the helpline.
 
“The earlier neglect is caught the easier it is to stop and in most cases families can be supported to turn around their problems and provide children with the care they need.
 
“The lead up to Christmas can be a time when some children face particular risk, partly because they will be out of sight of teachers.
 
“The holidays can also be a time when family pressures are heightened meaning children are at more risk of neglect and abuse, so we must make sure they get the protection they need.”