Devon children see social services monitoring up by 40%

The number of children in Devon being monitored by social services has increased by 40% in a year. There are now about 850 children with a social services child protection plan. A year ago the figure was about 600.

The increase is steepest in Plymouth where the numbers are up by two thirds. Devon County Council social services and Torbay has a third more.

Public sector workers union Unison said social workers may be being more cautious following the Baby P case.

It added that family pressures due to the recession may also be a factor.