Protecting At-Risk Kids

Thousands of Scottish children are returning to child protection registers, that's according to the NSPCC.

Figures show that the number being registered has increased by 43% over the last 13 years. There was also a 4% rise in the number being re-registered between 2013/14.

Parental substance misuse and domestic abuse have been identified as concerns for many at-risk youngsters.

The charity warns that for every child on a protection plan, another eight have suffered abuse, but are off the radar of child protection services.

Matt Forde, head of national services for NSPCC Scotland said: "Today’s report shows just how far we’ve all got to go to make Scotland the best place for every child to grow up in.

“The increase in children returning to child protection registers indicates we are failing to protect them first time round. And, significantly more vulnerable children are living in unhappy circumstances, without support or intervention.

“Children’s services can’t protect these children on their own. A wider pool of professionals need to be involved in promoting children’s health and well-being, if we are to get it right for every child.”