Action for Children responds to 'Analysis of serious case reviews: 2014 to 2017'

Action for Children’s director of safeguarding, David Derbyshire, said:

“This analysis of nearly 370 child welfare cases where things have gone seriously wrong reveals children are imperilled by poverty and crippling cuts to children’s services.

“Our frontline staff tell us poverty levels are at the worst they can remember, social workers are overstretched and cash-strapped councils have been forced to shrink or close services – all of which hamper our efforts to help children and parents suffering in silence – from those living in the terrifying shadow of domestic abuse, neglect or exploitation to those in poverty or struggling with mental health issues.   

“These vulnerable children desperately need help from our politicians. The Government’s recent cash injection into social care is welcome but sadly only a drop in the ocean compared to the £3.1billion councils need to keep children’s services afloat. Only when we get the investment we need in children’s services will vulnerable children in the UK have the chance of a safe and happy childhood.” 

ENDS

Huw Beale, Senior Media Officer, Action for Children:

07718 114 038 / [email protected]

(out of hours 07802 806 679 / [email protected])

Action for Children protects and supports vulnerable children and young people by providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. With 476 services in communities across the country, the charity helps more than 387,000 children, teenagers, parents and carers a year. actionforchildren.org.uk