Child protection figures: Record number of referrals is huge cause for concern

The latest child protection statistics are showing that a record number of children are now being referred.

Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said:

"Each case here represents a blighted young life and the fact remains that many children are suffering from having at least one parent dependent on drugs or alcohol. The record number of referrals this year is a huge cause for concern.

"Particularly harrowing is the number of child protection cases which are referred despite the child being as yet unborn. These children must be put on the child protection register when they are born.

"Far too many young parents are faced with considerable emotional and sometimes physical pressures at such a crucial stage in a child's development. Sadly, drugs and alcohol abuse will all too often play a major part in the need to protect the unborn children.

"Scottish Conservatives delivered a new national drugs strategy and we have continually pushed for a new focus on parenting skills. No child deserves a troubled start in life and we must do everything we can to change this reality."

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