A recent report from charity, Action for Children, has found that vulnerable families are reaching breaking point and that support services are struggling to cope with the level of demand for their services.
The report found that:
- There have been budget cuts to around 68% of frontline children's services.
- Around 5,000 children and families would benefit from help from Action for Children but are not currently able to access a service.
- A number of factors have contributed to the increased demand for Action for Children's services, including: a rise in the number of family breakdowns; more parents with mental or physical health issues; lower household income and less benefits being available.
Dame Clare Tickell, Chief Executive of Action for Children, said:
"We are at a tipping point. The Government must take this opportunity to take stock and ensure that their stated intentions to protect the lives of the most vulnerable children, and the measures taken subsequently, are enough."
