LGA responds to Barnardo’s report on children’s services

18 May 2020 03:06 PM

Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, responded to a report by Barnardo’s on the impact of coronavirus on councils’ children’s services 

“This report echoes our concerns about the welfare of vulnerable children during the coronavirus crisis and adds further support to our longstanding call for children’s services to be properly funded by the Government.

“Since stay at home guidance was issued and with people self-isolating, children’s social care referrals have fallen by more than half in some areas, from an average of almost 1,800 per day. Councils are extremely concerned about potential ‘hidden harm’ among children.

“Councils are working with their partners and communities to try to identify children who may be at risk, and putting in place plans so that if there is a surge in referrals as children return to school, they are able to ensure children and families get the right help quickly. 

“It is vital that councils receive the funding they need to support children, young people and families both during the current phase of the crisis, and through the recovery period. The impact of the pandemic on some children will be far-reaching, and it will be essential that the right services are there to support them.”

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