Increased Neglect

The NSPCC's Helpline reports a 30% rise in cases of child neglect during the last year. Some of this is likely to be as a result of greater awareness, rather than increased incidence, but the impact is no less palpable. Increased numbers of neglect referrals will feed in to increases in casework, as children's services continue to face unremitting rises in demand. Ministers should not fiddle while Rome burns!