Speaking at the Association of Directors of Children’s Services annual conference, Professor Eileen Munro argued that increasing unemployment and insecurity over benefit changes is putting a strain on family life.
“Some of the political statements on what they might do with welfare are quite terrifying,” she said. “The idea of stopping child benefit after three children, for example. Do you stop feeding the others?
“It doesn’t seem helpful. There are plenty who go on being good parents, but those who are under great stress are more likely to be abusive parents. It does mean that you may get more referrals.”
Airing her concerns on other elements of the government’s family policies, Munro urged children’s professionals against using evidence-based programmes without first fully assessing the individual needs of each family.
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