“The Government needs to use the forthcoming Spending Review to ensure councils have long-term, sustainable funding to invest in preventative, universal and early help services so children, young people and families receive the practical, emotional, educational and mental health support they need, as soon as they need it.”
Responding to a report by the Children’s Society that explores the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on children’s wellbeing, Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:
“Councils have worked closely with schools during the coronavirus pandemic to keep children safe and support their wellbeing and will continue to do so as children return to school from September.
“This report reinforces our concerns that the impacts of lockdown will be far reaching for some children, young people and their families, whether as a result of hidden harms, poverty, mental health problems or substance misuse.
“Councils are best placed to coordinate support for children and families to cope with the long-term implications of the pandemic but expect to see a significant rise in referrals to children’s social care.
“The Government needs to use the forthcoming Spending Review to ensure councils have long-term, sustainable funding to invest in preventative, universal and early help services so children, young people and families receive the practical, emotional, educational and mental health support they need, as soon as they need it.”