A total of 54 charity bosses and children’s campaigners have signed an open letter to the next government calling for action, including Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan, Children’s Commissioner for England Anne Longfield, and NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanlass.
Others signing the open letter include leading youth justice figures such as Howard League for Penal Reform chief executive Frances Crook, as well as mental health experts including YoungMinds chief executive Sarah Brennan.
The letter calls on all leading political parties to fulfil their respective manifesto pledges on early intervention if elected.
“As we tragically see every day, the human cost, anguish and wasted potential of failing to intervene early can last a lifetime," the letter states.
“If families and children are supported earlier, fewer children will need to be taken into care, be excluded from school, develop mental health problems or commit crimes.
"We must support them from the earliest stage to nurture the skills they need to cope with life’s challenges and flourish.
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