A recent report from Action for Children has found that around 90% of teachers, police officers and social workers have regular contact with children potentially suffering from neglect, but around 40% do not feel able to intervene.
Dame Clare Tickell, Chief Executive for Action for Children, said, "It is of grave concern that one in every ten children could be suffering neglect.
"We know that early help has the potential to transform the lives of children and families, yet today's report tells us that the public aren't being given the know-how they need and professionals' best efforts are being hindered by stretched budgets and a lack of resources.
"With more and more families struggling, vulnerable children are falling through the cracks of a child protection system that is failing some of those who need it most - sometimes with tragic consequences."
The report also found that many professionals believe that the increase in child neglect is caused by a number of factors, including:
- deterioration in parenting skills (70% of professionals),
- greater poverty (66%), and
- more family breakdowns (55%).
