Figures released by the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA), which administers children's hearings, show a four per cent increase in the number of referrals it received between 2006 and 2007.
The increase means 154 children and young people are being referred each day. The increase is blamed on more referrals where children are alleged victims of cruelty, sexual offences, domestic abuse and neglect.
Martin Crewe, director of Barnardo's Scotland, said: "We urge the government to scrutinise the figures."
Douglas Bulloch, chair of the SCRA, echoed his concern: "The figures clearly indicate the needs of children and their families must be addressed earlier, with effective responses in place to assist those already identified as vulnerable."
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