More youngsters on child protection register ‘tip of the iceberg’ – charity

An increase in the number of young people on the child protection register in Scotland could be the “tip of the iceberg”, a charity has warned.

Figures released on Tuesday show that on July 31 2024, a total of 2,129 children were on the child protection register – a 3% increase on the year before but down 26% since 2014.

Across the entire year, the number of children placed on the list was down 2% to 3,167. Compared to 2013-14, the figure is down 31%, the Scottish Government data shows.

However, Children First said it has seen a “surge” in children “at serious risk” seeking its support.

Mary Glasgow, the charity’s chief executive, said: “The harsh reality is that these figures are the tip of the iceberg.

“The child protection register captures those children who are at risk and are known to social work, but there are many more who are experiencing harm that are falling through the cracks.

“As Scotland’s national children’s charity, we have seen a surge in children coming to us for support who are at serious risk.”

The most common concerns identified for children at child protection planning meetings last year were domestic abuse (45%), neglect (42%), parental substance use (39%), parental mental ill health (37%), and emotional abuse (33%).

Of the 237 care and risk management meetings that were recorded, the concerns raised most often were violence (51%), substance use (28%), harmful sexual behaviour (27%), unauthorised absences (27%), and non-violent offences (24%).

We need a child protection system which addresses the unprecedented challenges children face today

Ms Glasgow said despite a “national childhood emergency”, the early help needed for children and their families “is simply not there”.

She added: “We would question whether the system that is supposed to keep them safe is fit for purpose.

“We need a child protection system which addresses the unprecedented challenges children face today.

“That’s why Children First is calling for an urgent national conversation between the Scottish Government, social work, the third sector and key partners about what needs to change to keep children safe.”

Tuesday’s figures show nearly half (48%) of all children added to the child protection register in 2023-24 lived in one of the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland.

This compares to 3% in the 20% least deprived areas in Scotland.

Some 3,117 children were de-registered from the child protection register in 2023-24 – a decline of 2% compared to 2022-23 and a 29% decrease since 2013-14.

Of the children being de-registered, around half (48%) had been on the register for less than six months.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The safety of children is always paramount, and our children and young people have the right to be protected from all forms of harm.

“It is encouraging to see that the number of children on the child protection register has been fairly stable over the last three years and remains significantly lower than the number in 2014.

“It is also encouraging to see that the proportion of children on the Child Protection Register remains notably lower than the rest of the UK. Nevertheless, child protection and keeping all safe from harm remains a steadfast priority of the Scottish Government.

“The data includes statistics on Inter-agency Referral Discussions for the first time which are a key element of the early stage of child protection risk assessments. These statistics will allow for improved monitoring of child protection activity in Scotland going forward.”