Vulnerable children left without help as councils cut services – charity

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‘Vulnerable children not in crisis are being left without help as cash-strapped councils are forced to cut services, a report says.
Tens of thousands of vulnerable children in England are not getting the help they need because they are not at crisis point, a charity has warned.

A report by Action for Children estimates 140,000 youngsters referred to social services over concerns including abuse and neglect do not meet the threshold for statutory social care and were not referred to early help services after their cases are closed.
Sir Tony Hawkhead, chief executive of Action for Children, said: “Our report turns a spotlight on the thousands of families up and down the country who are not getting help, despite concerns having been raised about the welfare of a child.
“Social care can’t just be there for when a family is in meltdown.
“Every day too many children’s lives are overshadowed by drugs, alcoholism, domestic violence and neglect – a toxic recipe for all kinds of problems now and in later life.’
Read more: Vulnerable children left without help as councils cut services – charity