The NSPCC recently warned of a significant increase in reports of neglect cases. New figures released by the NSPCC showed that reports to its helpline about neglect had doubled over the past two years and have now reached record levels.
Callers to the helpline described children going hungry, begging neighbours for food and children being left home alone or outside for hours on end. Also children whose parents had drink and/or drug addictions.
This comes at a time when local children’s services face considerable pressure with more children being taken into care and more families needing help. The NSPCC has identified areas that it can assist social workers and families with including a home visiting programme that supports and challenges parents struggling to care for children under 5.
Sadly the report’s conclusions comes as no surprise. Stephens Scown’s Family Department have noticed a significant increase in care proceedings over the past few years.
The firm has a number of experienced Children Panel solicitors that regularly represent children, parents, or other family members in care proceedings.
