Number of children at risk soars

Published on Wednesday 30 September 2009 22:35

THE number of children being put on child protection registers in Scotland has increased by almost a third, figures show.

The children's minister, Adam Ingram, welcomed the rise in people reporting their concern – part of a "general upward trend" in recent years.

The total number of youngsters placed on child protection registers in 2008-9 was 3,628 – a rise of 29 per cent on the previous year's figure of 2,814.

Youngsters do not stay on the register permanently, and the number of de-registrations from the register during 2008-9 was 3,499 – up 9 per cent.

At the end of March this year, there were 2,682 children on registers across Scotland – up 10 per cent on the previous year.

There were 12,713 child protection referrals, where concern that a child is at risk of significant harm has been reported to social services.

Mr Ingram said: "The rise in referrals and children on the register is consistent with the general upward trend of recent years and the recent statistics showing an increasing number of children being taken into care. Every child in Scotland deserves to be safe and secure as they grow up, and ensuring fast and effective protection is available to every young person at risk of neglect or abuse is a key priority for this government.

"Everybody has their part to play and these figures suggest more people are reporting their concerns and support is being put in place more quickly, more effectively and more collaboratively."

Not all referrals led to a child being placed on the register, but just over a third last year led to an inter-agency conference to consider a child's circumstances.