Neglected children in Doncaster at risk of significant harm

Neglected and abused children in Doncaster are increasingly likely to be at risk of significant harm by the time social services reach them, figures show.
Children at risk of significant harmChildren at risk of significant harm
Children at risk of significant harm

Social workers have warned that children in England face "generational trauma" as a result of cuts to social services, which they say have left them struggling to cope with "unmanageable" workloads.

Around 3,060 children in Doncaster were judged to be in need of support after being referred to social services in the 12 months to March, according to the latest Department for Education figures.

Children at risk of significant harmChildren at risk of significant harm
Children at risk of significant harm
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Of these children, 1,206 were made the subject of a child protection enquiry, which the British Association of Social Workers says indicates a child may already be at crisis point.

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This means it is "four times harder" to help them. "At the same time the people who have been tasked with helping them have had their resources cut and their workload has increased," he said.

"It's a vicious circle. The Government needs to acknowledge the consequences of years of austerity policies and cuts, which are far from ending despite recent promises."

Some families with children in need may simply be given advice or referred to agencies and services that can help, such as counselling or after-school clubs.

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But when social workers suspect a child is suffering or is at risk of harm they will make what is known as a Section 47 enquiry, to determine if they need to step in. If they conclude the child is at risk, they must then decide whether to put a protection plan in place.

The proportion of children in need who are the subject of Section 47 enquiries in Doncaster has increased from 25% in 2010-11 to 39% in 2017-18. Last year, 16% of children were judged to be in need of a protection plan, up from 11% seven years ago.

Across England, the number of children who were identified as being in need at some point during 2017-18 decreased slightly compared to 2010. However, there was an "alarming" rise in the proportion that became the subject of a Section 47 enquiry or a protection plan.

The Minister for Children and Families, Nadhim Zahawi, said the Government had recently published practical advice to social workers and was improving training to help them spot and help vulnerable children.

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“We are investing up to £270 million in children’s social care programmes to improve the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families," he said. "But we are aware of the pressures on local authorities, so an additional £410 million was announced at Autumn Budget which local authorities can use to support adults and children's social care services.”