Children are ‘facing greater neglect’
CHILDREN in Halton could be facing greater neglect after figures revealed rising numbers of calls and referrals to social services over concerns for youngsters’ welfare.
An action plan for tackling the issue said the rate of contacts made with the authorities to report potential issues has been increasing for the last nine months.
It said that since the last three months of 2016, when there were 71 calls to social services over neglect, this had rocketed to 178 in AprilJune of last year.
Referrals to social services had also soared over the same period, rising from 40 referrals to 85.
The number of cases where early intervention was needed approximately tripled from eight to 25 instances across Runcorn and Widnes.
In total over the last 12 months, the document said social services received 511 reports from concerned parties over suspected neglect, with 249 referrals.
Details of the shocking statistics were included in a Halton Borough Council neglect action plan due to be considered by health chiefs and endorsed this Monday, January 29.
Four priorities have been identified as being needed to better protect children: earlier intervention, wider awareness, better training and monitoring of staff quality and making sure adult services considers child neglect part of their sphere of interest.
The report warned that under-18s are more likely to be deprived of proper care if their parents have mental health issues, drug or alcohol issues or are in ● Figures revealed rising numbers of calls and referrals to social services over concerns for youngsters’ welfare an abusive relationship.
It said poor dental hygiene can be an early indicator that a child is being neglected.
Other at-risk groups include minors who are deemed vulnerable to sexual exploitation, substance misuse and criminality.
The report said the impacts can be ‘long-lasting’ and ‘significant’, adding that neglect can manifest as lack of proper emotional, educational, physical, medical, nutritional support or guidance and supervision.