Angus Child Protection Register figure above national average

The number of Angus children being placed on the Child Protection Register has risen over the past year and is now above the national average — with parental substance abuse a factor in 80% of cases.

Figures in the Angus Child Protection Committee annual report show there were 82 young people on the register in 2009, rising to 92 by the time 2010 statistics were collated at the end of March.

The most up-to-date Scotland-wide figures for all 32 local authorities indicate each council area has an average of 83 on its child protection register, with updated figures to be published next month.

The Angus report shows that in the cases of 74 children placed on the register parental substance abuse was regarded as a problem — up from the previous year’s figure of 52. Eight children were affected by drugs and alcohol, 18 by drugs only, 26 by alcohol only and 22 by domestic abuse relating to substance misuse.

Also the total of Angus cases involving emotional abuse doubled in the period from 25 to 50, accounting for more than half of all registrations. Similarly the number of children registered as affected by domestic abuse generally increased from 18 to 36.

Angus Child Protection Committee chairman Tim Armstrong said, “The changing profile of children in need of protection in Angus is recognised by the committee. The specific challenge for the committee and constituent partners is ensuring the protection of increasing numbers of children at risk due to parental substance abuse.

“The only way we will meet this challenge is if we are able to consider new and different ways of working together to better support such children in need.”

He said the committee examined the information and trends regarding children on the register quarterly and domestic abuse and parenting difficulties appeared, with substance misuse, to be the primary driving factors in children being registered.

“Domestic abuse continues to be a significant factor contributing to children’s names being placed on the child protection register,” Mr Armstrong added.

“Consequently a sub-group of the Angus Child Protection Committee and Angus Partnership on Domestic Abuse was formed to agree joint working arrangements in respect of the identification and support provided for these children.

“This has been achieved through the Early Screening Group initiative which has enabled information to be collated on the number of domestic abuse referrals, interventions and support which has been provided and the outcomes for families who have experienced domestic abuse.”

Most children in Angus remained on the Child Protection Register for under six months, although 15 had been registered for one and two years and one listed for more than two years. The majority came from the Arbroath area, with social work staff there making a total of 36 registrations.