At least 50,000 children are at risk of abuse in ‘toxic’ households, finds the Children’s Commissioner for England Anne Longfield
Children's Commissioner Anne Longfield has urged the Government to put more cash in to the dwindling children's services budget as figures show that 160,000 kids under five live in dangerous environments
AT least 50,000 vulnerable young children are living in “toxic” households at “very high risk of severe harm” from abuse, a hard-hitting report says today.
The Children’s Commissioner for England found there were more than 160,000 children aged under five living in households suffering domestic abuse, drug or alcohol addiction or mental health problems.
But their report warned thousands of infants could be unknown to social services.
It said cuts to council budgets could create a “dangerous shortfall” in funding for services for high-risk children.
Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield urged the government to inject cash into dwindling children’s services budgets.
She added: “This important research shows hundreds of the most vulnerable young children are at risk of harm.
“As children’s services budgets come under increased pressure, we cannot just cross our fingers and hope for the best. Babies are too vulnerable and deserve better.
“The Government has an opportunity in the budget and next year’s spending review to make sure the funds are in place to ensure that they are properly protected.”
The Crying Shame report said there are about 15,800 babies considered by local authorities to be vulnerable or highly vulnerable and at risk of harm, but still living at home.
It said among the 293 Serious Case Reviews published between 2011 and 2014, domestic abuse was present in 54%, parental mental ill health in 53% and parental alcohol or drug misuse in 47%.
A Government spokeswoman said it was vital children affected by mental health, alcoholism and domestic abuse receive the care and support they need.
She added: “We are working to tackle these issues through our landmark Domestic Abuse Bill to better protect and support victims, as well as reviewing the outcomes for children in need.
MOST READ IN UK NEWS
“We are also investing up to £270 million in children’s social care programmes to improve the lives of vulnerable children, we have pledged £8 million to support children who are exposed to domestic abuse and £500,000 to expand helplines for children of alcoholics.”
Emma Lewell-Buck MP, Labour’s Shadow Children’s Minister, said: “This is heart breaking news and yet another sign that the most vulnerable children in our country desperately need more support.”