LOCKDOWN’S HIDDEN HARM
Government warned by own advisors of coming surge as children could not reach out
THE Scottish Government have been warned of an expected “significant surge” in child protection cases by experts who advise on coronavirus.
They have sounded the alarm over the “hidden harm” of children not being able to reach out for help at school during lockdowns.
School closures were a key plank of the Government’s strategy to keep covid infection levels low. Progress with the vaccine has enabled schools to reopen but it is feared hundreds of children may have suffered abuse in the home with nowhere to turn as schools were shutdown.
Pre-pandemic figures showed the number of children on the protection register was 2654 – with children subjected to emotional and domestic abuse, parental substance issues and neglect. But now the number on the protection register is at the lowest level since 2002 and the latest data shows that as of September 8 there were 1991 children with a child protection plan.
The Scottish Government’s covid advisory group is worried the numbers are about to rocket.
A report stated: “It was noted that child protection figures are the lowest since 2002, including for Looked After Children. It was expected there will be a significant surge in these figures towards the autumn, with work being planned to look at this in more detail.”
The report continued: “There was ongoing concern that periods of absence from school and ELC [early learning centres] settings have led to a “hidden harm” where there are children and young people ... who are experiencing harm, ill-health or exposure to risks and who, outwith school, might not be able to actively reach out for support.”
An education source said the child protection fear was one of the arguments used for doing everything to keep schools open, as it was felt some young people are safer there.
Children’s campaigners also fear a a “hidden harm” epidemic among young people. Martin Crewe, director for Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “Barnardo’s Scotland work in over 400 schools across Scotland, and for those children and young people whose home life has challenges due to neglect or abuse, being back in school may provide a sense of safety.
“However, we are expecting referrals for foster care and mental health to climb now that schools are re-opened, as teachers and professionals identify vulnerable young people needing support, and the expectation that there may be a significant surge in child protection issues is sadly not a surprise.”
Labour MSP Michael Marra claimed children’s services may need extra support. He said: “Social work services that have been cut to the bone are in no state to deal with a surge in child protection issues. Hidden harms will require a broader set of work with children and families, which statutory services have effectively ended their work in.
“Third sector providers are facing a perfect storm of greatly reduced fundraising, year-on-year cuts to budgets coming from Scottish Government budgets and policies, and soaring need.”
Bruce Adamson, Children and Young People’s Commissioner, said: “Since the first lockdown and throughout we have raised concerns about the impacts on children’s rights of them being away from school, early learning and childcare settings, sports and cultural clubs, and wider community supports, including the right to be kept safe from harm.
“Protecting children at risk of harm is essential and the Scottish Government must ensure that sufficient resource is made available to help children and families who need additional supports around them.”
Expecting referrals for mental health to climb MARTIN CREWEW BARNARDO’S DIRECTOR