Warnings child neglect will be harder to spot as Northamptonshire stays at home during Covid-19 lockdown

Child protection teams in Northamptonshire fear an increase in abuse and neglect could mirror the rise in domestic violence during the Covid-19 lockdown.

And the county's Safeguarding Children’s Partnership, led by Police, Health and Northamptonshire County Council, want to reassure the public it is business as usual in the effort safeguard young people during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Schools or community groups often uncover cases of child abuse and exploitation.

But with these currently closed, police are begging the public to be alert and report any concerns quickly so that officers can act to safeguard children and arrest offenders.

Northamptonshire Police public protection chief Detective Superintendent Rich Tompkins, said: "Obviously we fully support the ‘stay at home’ measures taken by the government to control the spread of Covid-19 but we are also aware that, for young people, the restrictions could mean they are more vulnerable to abuse and neglect.

"I also want to reassure the public that we are taking this issue more seriously than ever.

"We are working alongside our partners in health and social services to ensure a quick response to any reports a child is at risk.

“We’ve already spoken about domestic abuse rising, as was also the case in both Italy and China, and we now need everybody in the safeguarding world to be professionally curious.

But we also need our communities to act on a responsible manner, to support one another and to ensure any suspicions about the exploitation or neglect of a child are reported immediately. It's more important now than ever to act if you have any suspicions that a young person is at risk.”

Domestic abuse charity Refuge say calls to and online requests for help to national helplines have jumped 25 per cent jump since the lockdown.

That confirmed campaigners' warnings that the restrictions could heighten domestic tensions and cut off escape routes.

Northamptonshire County Council director of children services, Cathi Hadley, said: “These are stressful times for all of us all but I can reassure the public that it’s business as usual for our multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH) which is functioning as usual to protect and safeguard the vulnerable.

“We have a dedicated team of child protection professionals ready to deal with any concerns about the welfare of a child. The MASH team identify risks to children at the earliest possible point and respond with the most effective, joined up actions. The aim of the MASH is to make the right decisions for the right families at the right time."

Public can report concerns to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0300 126 1000 or find their website HERE or if, you have any concerns a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

For advice and information on domestic abuse, click Northamptonshire Police website HERE.

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