Response to child protection statistics

Responding to Scottish Government child protection statistics released today, Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First, said: “The harsh reality is that these figures are the tip of the iceberg. The child protection register captures those children who are at risk and are known to social work, but there are many more who are experiencing harm that are falling through the cracks.

“As Scotland’s national children’s charity, we have seen a surge in children coming to us for support who are at serious risk.

“At a time when the country faces a national childhood emergency, the early help that children and families need is simply not there. We would question whether the system that is supposed to keep them safe is fit for purpose.

“We need a child protection system which addresses the unprecedented challenges children face today. That’s why Children First are calling for an urgent national conversation between the Scottish Government, social work, the third sector and key partners about what needs to change to keep children safe.”

Children’s Social Work Statistics: Child Protection 2023-24 - gov.scot