Number of children at risk rising fast

THE number of children considered at risk of harm increased by a third in the two years after Baby Peter's death, but social worker numbers only rose by 10 per cent, a survey has found.

Investigations into possible abuse or neglect of youngsters soared by 20.3 per cent between the last quarter of 2007 and the same period in 2009, according to research for the Association of Directors of Children's Services in England.

Over this period, following Peter's death in 2007, 32.9 per cent more youngsters were subject to a protection plan.