Mark Whitehead 24 September 2018

Frontline staff warn of ‘perfect storm’ in children's services

Social workers, education and law enforcement workers in England are facing a ‘perfect storm’ of complex growing need, according to Barnardo's.

The children's charity says the causes include increased poverty and lack of mental health services, and a crisis in the professionals' confidence in their ability to provide the support needed.

Nearly two thirds of those responding to a YouGov poll for Barnardo’s said they had seen an increase in overall numbers of particularly vulnerable children in the past five years, while a full two thirds of those said it is because of a shortfall in early intervention.

Barnardo's says the polling confirms anecdotal evidence of a rising number of cases of children with multiple vulnerabilities including early trauma, neglect, grooming, sexual abuse, exploitation and involvement in gangs.

Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan said the survey results were 'a real wake up call'.

'With less and less resource for early intervention and long waits for specialist mental health services, we are in danger of failing a generation of vulnerable children who face a future without hope,' he said.

'It’s also a false economy – young people who don’t get help now will develop far deeper and more costly problems in the future.'

Read our feature looking at the postcode lotterr in children's services.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner