BOOZE-UP PARENTS SCANDAL

NSPCC ‘saves’ 15,000 kids

THOUSANDS of parents were reported last year for having booze or drug-fuelled parties while looking after their kids.

NSPCC officials were swamped by calls from friends and neighbours who were worried that children were being put in danger.

As a result more than 15,000 youngsters were referred to social services or the police.

A third of them were aged between one and five years old – with 581 being babies under 12 months old. John Cameron, the charity’s helplines chief, said: “Every child should be able to grow up in a home where they feel safe and supported.

“The sad fact is that many young people ® are being deprived of this due to one or both parents abusing drink and drugs.

“It is vitally important for the wellbeing of the whole family that adults who are misusing any substance seek help.”

More than 10,000 concerned people called the helplines last year.

One told the operator: “I’m really worried for the safety of a child living with his parents.

“There is always heavy smoke lingering around the family home and I regularly see the parents intoxicated with alcohol and drugs. Sometimes too I can hear them shouting and screaming profanities at each other while the child is inside the house. It is really upsetting.”