William Eichler 14 January 2025

ADCS: Cuts have led to poor safeguarding outcomes for children

ADCS: Cuts have led to poor safeguarding outcomes for children  image
Image: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com.

The combination of poor-quality housing and the cost-of-living crisis is contributing to ‘family distress and breakdown’, according to directors of children’s services.

The latest Safeguarding Pressures report by the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) found that overcrowding, use of temporary accommodation and the affordability of housing are putting increasing pressure on families.

The report also revealed that health challenges, such as the impact of delayed access to assessment or substance abuse treatment plans for parents and carers, were a key theme in the safeguarding research.

The impact of Covid-19 on children and young people’s lives and on their outcomes is also increasingly visible in growing levels of mental health need among children and parents and carers, according to the research.

Andy Smith, ADCS President, said: ‘The latest phase of our research makes it clear that the stripping back of our public services has led to, and continues to result in, poor outcomes for children.

‘In order to improve children’s lives, we need to improve public services as a whole and ensure that parents and carers have the access to the support, they need and families are able to be housed in safe, decent homes in the communities they have connections in.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Partnership Co-ordinator - Voluntary & Community

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£43,545 - £52,767
Partnership Co-ordinator - Voluntary & ... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Planning Support Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £34359 per annum
Keep our planning service running smoothly, supporting the team that shapes the future of our borough.As a Planning Support Officer, you'll play a vit England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Change Communications Lead

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£42,839-£48,226
Having come out of government intervention after two years in 2024 Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Finance Officer - Debt Collection

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Finance Officer - Debt CollectionPermanent, Full Time£25,081 to £27,653 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner