Safeguarding Pressures

June 12, 2024

ADCS Safeguarding Pressures Phase 9

ADCS Safeguarding Pressures research has provided evidence of trends in safeguarding and the provision of services to children and their families from 2010 in eight research phases. Through each phase, significant increases in safeguarding activity have been reported together with the range of contributing factors and costs.

Phase 9 of the research to bring the evidence base up to date is now underway. This evidence-based lens into the context in which children’s services are operating is more vital now than ever.

The final report will be published at the National Children and Adult Services Conference in November.

ADCS Safeguarding Pressures Research Phase 8

Safeguarding Pressures phase 8 report draws on qualitative and quantitative data from 125 local authorities, covering 83% of England’s child population, to evidence and better understand changes in demand for, and provision of, children’s social care. It provides an insight into the first two years of the pandemic period, from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2022, and shows that the impact of Covid-19 continues to be felt in children’s lives, local communities and in public services. This, together with existing data, provides an insight into the safeguarding related pressures currently facing children’s services across the country.

Safeguarding Pressures Phase 8 - Final Report (pdf)
Safeguarding Pressures Phase 8 - Executive Summary (pdf)

Special Thematic Report on Children's Mental Health

ADCS has used data included in the ADCS Safeguarding Pressures Phase 8 research to develop a supplementary thematic report on children’s mental health - find out more.

Children's Services Policy Timeline

To accompany the latest report, ADCS has updated the timeline which illustrates the events and changes that impact on safeguarding children and young people in England. This update now includes a detailed timeline of Covid-19 related events and changes.