20/03/2012

NI Child Neglect Up By 46%

Northern Ireland has the highest rate of children registered for child neglect in the whole of the UK.

According to figures released by Action for Children the number of children on the Child Protection Register in NI had gone up by 46% in the past six years.

This means that between 2006 and 2011 the amount of children registered has risen from 1,639 to 2,401; the charity claim the majority of cases involved reasons associated with neglect.

Campaigners have described the figures in NI as "very worrying" and are set to discuss the findings of the report with Health Minister Edwin Poots at Stormont later.

Meanwhile the charity said the review identified a need for more consistent statistical reporting methods so that services can be planned to best address the needs of children.

"Neglect is a complex issue, but our response to it has also become overly complicated with many delays and barriers to children receiving a swift and coordinated response. The new Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland will have a role to play in ensuring that a clear and coordinated approach is taken in keeping children and young people safe, which should include taking a preventative approach to neglect," concluded Action for Children.

(LB/GK)


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