Domestic abuse and violence is the most prevalent category of demand for children’s social care services, a groundbreaking new study has revealed.

The study, led by Kingston University and the National Children’s Bureau (NCB), analysed 3.6 million social work assessments and identified twelve common categories of demand present across children’s social care in England.

The study found that domestic abuse and violence accounted for a fifth of all cases and a combination of concerns about parental mental health and alcohol or drug misuse was the second most prevalent form of demand.

The research also discovered that the proportion of children assessed with multiple risk factors increased from 2014-21, with a disproportionate rise in those affected by child mental health problems, extra-familial harm, and complexities around parental mental health.

Phil Anderson, strategic director for External Affairs at the National Children’s Bureau, said: ‘We are proud to have contributed to this groundbreaking study as part of our continuing partnership with Kingston University, supported here by the Nuffield Foundation.

‘This research provides new evidence on which to base services that address the needs of the whole child and their family, so that they receive the help they need as early as possible, and supports the case for a significantly increased investment in child and adolescent mental health services and improved training for practitioners.’

Kingston University and NCB encourages local authorities in England to undertake their own demand analysis, using these tools, to inform strategic decisions and the design of local children’s services.