THERE HAS been a 46 per increase in five years, in the number of Northern Irish children identified as being in need of protection from abuse, research just published has found.
Researchers at Queen’s University, Belfast, published the findings yesterday to coincide with a conference at the university, which runs until tomorrow. It is being hosted by the British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.
The number of children on the child protection register in Northern Ireland at March 31st, 2006, was 1,639. It had risen to 2,401 by March 31st, 2011. The numbers in Wales were 2,165 in 2006 rising to 2,880 (33 per cent) last year, while in Scotland the numbers were 2,157 in 2006, which rose to 2,571 (19 per cent).
The increase in England was most startling (62 per cent) from 26,400 children known to be at risk in 2006 to 42,330 last year.
Dr John Devaney of Queen’s school of sociology, social policy and social work said there had been a substantial increase in the number of children referred to social services. “While some commentators may feel that this increase is a reflection that services for children and their families are failing, at Queens we are stating that the opposite is true. We have highlighted the importance of ensuring as many . . . as possible are brought to the attention of professionals.”
Prof Julie Taylor from Dundee University said recovery from the effects of early neglect or abuse could be rapid and remarkable if safe, nurturing care was achieved early enough in the child’s life.
