Big rise in child protection referrals

THE number of children being referred to child protection services in Scotland has dramatically increased, leading to fresh fears over the safety of youngsters.

Of 16 councils contacted, all but three reported an increase in calls from the public or referrals about at-risk children.

The rise follows a report into the death of 23-month-old Brandon Muir highlighting shortcomings in child protection services in Scotland.

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In Aberdeen, the city council reported referrals to children's services rose by 474, from 1,601 in the last quarter of 2008 to 2,075 in April to June this year. The council has also seen a 37 per cent increase in the number of youngsters on its Child Protection Register.

A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council, which has also seen referrals rise 39 per cent, said cases like Brandon Muir and the death of Baby P, later identified as Peter Connelly, have encouraged the public to report suspected abuse.

He said: "It would be fair to say that the rise in investigations this year reflects the attention of these high-profile cases. It also shows that our community has responded by recognising that protecting children is the responsibility of each of us."

Referrals include calls from the public, reports from social workers, police, health workers, teachers, youth workers and housing officers. The referrals are investigated before any decision is made about placing a child on the protection register.

Child protection experts have also suggested that social problems associated with the recession and high unemployment are playing a part.

Harriet Dempster, president of the Association of Directors of Social Work and director of social work for Highland Council, said: "The recession is having a devastating effect on some families, with people losing their jobs and struggling to cope financially. So, people who manage very well normally, suddenly aren't managing so well."

Ms Dempster also said that while social workers are currently coping with the extra workload, they fear that future cuts in public spending could impact on their ability to do their job.

"I suspect social workers will be waking up this morning very worried, because all we're hearing about is public service cuts. I know that staff at the frontline are concerned about what the future holds."

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Children's charity Barnardo's – whose chief executive, Martin Narey, caused controversy last week by suggesting more babies and young children should be taken into care – said that the latest figures highlighted increasing pressures on child-protection services.

Mark Ballard, Barnardo's Scotland assistant director of policy, said: "The tragic deaths of Brandon Muir and Baby P have raised public awareness around issues of child protection and opened up a crucial debate. Barnardo's has always believed that early intervention is key if we are to avoid more serious problems later on.

"However, this means that not only do we need the support services in place to work with families and protect children when they are identified as at risk, but we must also not be afraid to remove children from birth families if this is deemed the safest option for the child.

"Protection of the child must be paramount."

Adam Ingram, the minister for children and early years, said the Scottish Government was currently reviewing the guidance on child protection following the publication in August of the report into the death of Brandon Muir.

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