The shocking scale of abuse and neglect faced by children in the North East has been revealed by the NSPCC as the charity releases worrying new figures.
The NSPCC’s Helpline for adults made 805 referrals to agencies across the North-East to investigate concerns about child abuse and neglect in 2021/22 - an average of around two referrals a day. The charity said reports of children in the North East being neglected were the common reason for the charity’s practitioners to escalate their concerns, with 304 referrals being made for further investigation over the last year.
The figures also paint a worrying picture across the UK. Last year, the Helpline made 22,983 referrals to agencies about children thought to be experiencing abuse and neglect - an average of 63 children a day. Now the NSPCC is urging people to report any concerns they may have about a child's welfare to the charity, ahead of their national fundraising event, Childhood Day, on June 10.
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Members of the public and professionals who have safeguarding fears about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline which will refer these to statutory agencies - when serious enough to do so - whilst offering advice and assistance in all cases.
Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO said: "In light of the recent tragic cases and the difficulties and increased risk faced by the younger generation over the past couple of years, it is important we ask if we have learned the right lessons and challenge ourselves to do all we can to protect children from harm. The upcoming Care Review in England and National Panel review of the circumstances behind recent child deaths, provide a golden opportunity to strengthen our system at all levels to ensure it is robust enough to prevent more tragedies from happening.
“As well as the Government playing a leading role, we know that strong communities can help to keep children safe, where thousands of individual people play their part in doing what’s right. That’s why we created Childhood Day – a day that brings everyone in the UK together to emphasise why child protection is a top priority.”
The Department of Education said the Government has improved how safeguarding agencies work to protect children at risk.
A Government spokeswoman said: “We want every child to be safe and happy and we have already improved how safeguarding agencies work together locally to protect children at risk of abuse or neglect. The National Child Safeguarding Panel’s review into the deaths of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and Star Hobson is considering a child cruelty register as part of its recommendations to strengthen the child safeguarding system.”
The NSPCC is urging anyone with concerns about a child, even if they’re unsure, to contact the NSPCC helpline to speak to one of the charity’s professionals. People can call 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk or fill in the online form.
