Warning over child neglect cases in Newham

Luke Jacobs Friday, June 29, 2012
5:00 PM

Almost three cases of child neglect in Newham were referred to the NSPCC every month last year.

The charity has revealed a sharp increase in the reports in London - and has warned of the additional pressure this will place on children’s services.

Trained counsellors working on its helpline dealt with a total of 32 cases in the borough during 2011/12.

Statistics for the previous year are not available but in London, the number was 563, an increase of almost a third on the previous year.

Some were serious enough to require the involvement of police or children’s services.

The remainder were dealt with by the counsellors, who provided advice, support and information to callers.

Dan Russell, from the NSPCC, said: “More people than ever are contacting the NSPCC about child neglect.

“Some of this will be down to the public being more willing to speak out, and this can only be a positive thing, but there is clearly a worrying trend, not just in our figures, but from a range of agencies and bodies.

“More research is needed on why this sharp increase has occurred.

He added: “We want the public to keep raising the alarm so families can be supported to prevent more children suffering the devastating consequences of neglect.

Anyone who thinks a child is being neglected, or suffering any kind of abuse, should contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk or report online at www.nspcc.org.uk/helpline.