Child protection inquiries are at a record high with more than 600 opened every day in England last year, official figures show.
Some 225,400 child welfare cases — known as Section 47 investigations — were launched by councils in the year to March 2023, Department for Education data reveals.
This is equal to more than 617 being started every day — an increase of 66 cases daily since figures were first collected in 2019.
A Section 47 enquiry takes place when a local authority suspects that a child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm.
Some 225,400 child welfare cases — known as Section 47 investigations — were launched by councils in the year to March 2023 (stock)
The council then decides what action to take in order to safeguard the child.
The Local Government Association claimed that the increase is due to a rise in domestic abuse and mental health issues. It added that the surge in investigations has also been fuelled by an increase in schools making referrals to childrens social services, with an 8 per cent lift in five years.
Child protection inquiries are at a record high with more than 600 opened every day in England last year, official figures show (stock)
The LGA said the figures highlight that childrens social care must be given emergency funding in the Budget on October 30 to protect vulnerable children from harm.
Arooj Shah, chair of the LGAs children and young people board, said: These disturbingly high figures show the huge pressures councils are under to intervene and provide that vital care and support.
As a society, we must do what we can collectively to ensure every child is safe from harm.