The majority of councils are failing to gather information on child neglect in their area, according to new research from Action for Children.
The charity found that 60% of councils do not know how many children are likely to suffer from neglect, and do not have systems in place to measure the scale of the problems.
Action for Children warned that collection information about early warning signs could help council prevent crisis and further neglect. It is calling for a national strategy to enable local agencies to work together to understand the extent of the problem and deliver services to provide early help.
Chief executive Sir Tony Hawkhead said: ‘The tragedy is that due to a lack of gathering the right information, children whose lives could be improved are needlessly put at further risk.
‘This is unacceptable when we know more can be done – we cannot allow the suffering of any child. Neglect can be stopped in its tracks.
‘Families need help as early as possible so they can make positive changes in their lives, transforming their and their children’s stories by being the best parents they can be.’
