Scottish child neglect survey throws up worrying results

Date: 18th October 2010
Category: Access to appropriate information, Family Environment and Alternative Care, Disability, Basic Health and Welfare

More than half of children polled north of the border, many of them as young as eight years old, have seen signs that could indicate neglect in youngsters they know.

The findings of the survey carried out by Action for Children have emerged as the charity issues a warning of the dangers of child neglect.

It is also concerned that with the Comprehensive Spending Review just around the corner, vital early intervention services working with families to help tackle and prevent child neglect are at potential risk. Action for Children is urging UK politicians to prioritise these services so professionals can continue to work to combat this problem.

The poll of more than 250 eight to 12 year olds in Scotland - part of more than 3,000 children questioned in the UK - reveals the extent of the problem.

The revelation comes in the wake of figures released last month by the Scottish Government showing that 13,523 childre a year or 260 a week are being referred for help on child protection grounds a rise of 6 per cent on 2008-09.

Studies suggest up to 10 per cent of children in the UK experience neglect and it is the main reason for children requiring a child protection plan.

• Read the whole article here.
• Read the report here.