Chris Mahony 18 July 2022

Early intervention cuts trigger crisis interventions

Early intervention cuts trigger crisis interventions image
Image: Sabphoto / Shutterstock.com

Councils, young people and families are trapped in a ‘vicious cycle’ due to the halving of investment in early intervention over the last decade, the largest children’s charities have warned.

Data prepared by Pro Bono Economics revealed that local government investment in early intervention in England halved in real terms in the decade from 2010-11 – triggering a 75% rise in more expensive crisis interventions such as taking children into care.

The report found spending on crisis and late intervention services soared by more than a third (37%) over the decade - from £6bn to £8.2bn (in 2020-21 prices).

This was fuelled by a 24% rise in the number of children in care to almost 80,000, costing an extra £1.3bn in 2020-21.

These services consumed just over 80% of local authority children’s social care spending – compared to 58% in 2010-11.

After a low point of £9.4bn in 2016-17, total children’s services spending recovered to reach £10.2bn in 2020-21 – an 8% increase.

However, most of that boost – and more recent increases – has been directed to late intervention services.

The analysis found that some of the biggest cuts have been in the most deprived communities.

Chief executive of The Children’s Society, Mark Russell, said: ‘Young people have told us they felt they needed to get hurt or harm someone in order be taken seriously.

'It’s a big concern that children in deprived areas, where needs may be greatest, are often among those least likely to get help before problems spiral out of control.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Strategic Director – Place-Based Services

Stevenage Borough Council
£Competitive
Stevenage is a town with bold ambitions. Stevenage, Hertfordshire / Hybrid
Recuriter: Stevenage Borough Council

Social Worker - Children's Assessment and Safeguarding

North East Lincolnshire Council
ASYE level £36,363 up to £46,142
Make the change, be the difference to our children, our future. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Assist Response Officer

Mansfield District Council
£16,055.87 - £17,113.37 per annum (for 22.5 hours per week)
Mansfield District Council are looking for a dedicated individual to join our award winning ASSIST support scheme. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Town Centre Operative

Mansfield District Council
£25,583 - £25,989 per annum
Working in local government is a rewarding experience Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Resettlement Officer

Ashfield District Council
£28,598 - £31,022 per annum
Would you like to work in our Housing Options Team helping people to settle in the local community? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council
Linkedin Banner