Figures released today (Thursday) by the NSPCC, to mark the launch of its 'All Babies Count' campaign, which aims to highlight the vulnerability of babies, show that over 198,000 babies in the UK are at high risk of abuse and neglect.
According to the charity, two thirds of serious case reviews for infant mortalities or serious cases of abuse involve domestic violence, mental health problems and drink and drug dependency among parents.
The report reveals in the UK that 144,000 babies under one are living with a parent who has mental health problems, 109,000 babies have a parent with drug or alcohol problems, and 39,000 babies are living in a home where there is domestic violence.
As part of its 'All Babies Count' campaign, the NSPCC is calling on the government to ensure vital services are there when families need them. The charity makes several recommendations including:
• Ensuring that there are sufficient resources in place to fund services for families and recognising that cutting services that support families during pregnancy and infancy is a false economy.
• Giving commissioners at a local level in health services and local authorities, the powers and responsibility to guarantee the right services are in place to protect vulnerable babies and prevent abuse at the earliest opportunity.
• Reviewing the early intervention services available for families every two years, and using this to deliver a clear action plan to address gaps.
Andrew Flanagan, NSPCC’s chief executive, said, ‘It is a major concern that the NSPCC's new findings show the most vulnerable and helpless members of our society are often at risk because of a lack of support. All Babies Count is about making sure all babies get the care they need, when they need it most.
‘Evidence from early intervention programmes shows that intervening early can remove the future risk of abuse or neglect. And it also makes sound economic sense. Investing in preventing harm is a more effective way of spending money than trying to pick up the pieces of children's broken lives in the years after abuse has happened.
‘We're calling on the Government to join us in focusing attention, resources and expertise to demonstrate that all babies count. The government's focus on early intervention is welcome, but we now need action.’
FURTHER INFORMATION
Read the NSPCC's guide for professionals here.
