Warning of economic impact on struggling households
Monday 07 January 2013
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Benefit cuts 'will see more children taken into care'
Warning of economic impact on struggling households
Monday 07 January 2013
Benefit cuts 'will see more children taken into care'
Warning of economic impact on struggling households
Monday 07 January 2013
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Alamy
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Record numbers of children are likely to be taken away from their families this year as parents struggle to cope with the effects of public-sector cuts and benefits changes, a senior child protection figure has warned.
Anthony Douglas, chief executive of Cafcass, which safeguards the welfare of children involved in family court proceedings, said he expected to see a leap in child neglect cases as thousands of struggling families were pushed over the financial edge in the coming months.
Mr Douglas warned that the number of cases could rise by up to eight per cent, involving hundreds of children, putting further strain on the already-stretched child protection system. Cases of "cumulative long-term neglect" are increasing with the removal of small but vital services, such as play schemes and new mothers' groups.
Last year Cafcass dealt with record numbers of care applications, including a total of 7,278 cases between April and November – an 8.3 per cent increase on the same period in 2011.
Mr Douglas said: "Given what we know about the association between poverty deprivation and care, the increase in economic difficulties can take away the margins of support for people who are just managing to keep things together.
"Often quite small amounts of support can make all the difference. So I think that there is a risk of underestimating the way in which this support can keep some families going."
Mr Douglas warned that the number of cases could rise by up to eight per cent, involving hundreds of children, putting further strain on the already-stretched child protection system. Cases of "cumulative long-term neglect" are increasing with the removal of small but vital services, such as play schemes and new mothers' groups.
Last year Cafcass dealt with record numbers of care applications, including a total of 7,278 cases between April and November – an 8.3 per cent increase on the same period in 2011.
Mr Douglas said: "Given what we know about the association between poverty deprivation and care, the increase in economic difficulties can take away the margins of support for people who are just managing to keep things together.
"Often quite small amounts of support can make all the difference. So I think that there is a risk of underestimating the way in which this support can keep some families going."
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