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

Corporate Director Children and Young People’s Service

North Yorkshire Council
£136,853 to £159,178 plus relocation support
North Yorkshire is England's largest county and a beautiful, vibrant place to live and work. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Customer Service Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £12541.00 per annum
Customer Service AssistantPermanent, Part Time£12,541 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director of Communications and Engagement

City of London
Competitive Salary
This role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and political acumen London (City of), London (Greater)
Recuriter: City of London

Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
You will be supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, ageing needs and dementia. This is a frontline role where you will be providing high quality and meaningful activities, medication support, personal care, food and drink prepar Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Community Support Worker

Essex County Council
£25395.0000 - £32131.0000 per annum
The Role As a Community Support Worker, your role will include undertaking Assessments and Reviews in line with our Statutory duties under the Care England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner