UK faces rising child neglect amid cost of living crisis

The UK's leading children's charity has raised alarms about the increasing prevalence of child neglect, attributing it to the ongoing cost of living crisis and reductions in support services. A survey conducted among over 500 frontline workers in various sectors revealed that a significant majority, 83%, believe there are insufficient services to assist children facing neglect. Furthermore, more than half of the respondents indicated that neglect has worsened during their careers, with 90% linking the rise in cases to poverty and the cost of living. Josh MacAlister, founder of the social care charity Frontline, expressed concern over the normalization of child neglect, noting that societal recognition of neglect has evolved, leading to a clearer understanding of its impact. He emphasized that while the recognition of neglect has improved, the resources and services required to address it adequately are lacking. This gap in support is critical, as many vulnerable children and families are not receiving the help they need. MacAlister also highlighted the disappointment surrounding the lack of progress since his independent review of children's social care two years ago. He pointed out that many solutions to improve support for vulnerable children are already known but have not been implemented effectively. The failure to act early has resulted in higher costs for late interventions, which could have been avoided. He advocates for a strategic plan that reallocates funding within the system to create a sustainable support framework. This approach not only aims to enhance the lives of children but also promises long-term benefits for society and the economy as a whole.