Children referred to social care fell 80pc in lockdown

THE number of children referred to social care services fell by nearly 80 per cent at the height of lockdown, government figures show, as councils are braced for a huge rise with schools returning.

Between April and June, children’s social care teams had 41,190 referrals, a drop of 18 per cent compared with the same period over the last three years.

Monitoring by the Department for Education (DFE) in England showed that at one point, referrals from schools decreased by 77 per cent compared with 2018. However, referrals from the police increased by 16 per cent.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said councils had concerns about falling referrals, and were trying to identify children who may be at risk. Local authorities are also working to ensure that if referrals rise as children return to school this week there is help available, the LGA said.

The number of children who started being looked after also fell between April and June, with a total of 1,640 – down by a third compared with the same period in the past three years. The LGA has said funding pressures and an increased demand for child protection services pre-pandemic has resulted in the scaling back or cutting of universal and early help services.

The group is calling on the Government to provide sustainable funding to allow for investment. Judith Blake, of the LGA’S Children and Young People Board, said: “It is vital that councils have the funding they need to support children, young people and families during the current phase of the crisis and beyond.”

Andrew Fellowes, of the NSPCC, said: “Now children are back at school – many of whom may have struggled with abuse, neglect and mental health problems – it’s crucial that Government makes sure staff are equipped to recognise and respond sensitively to their needs.”