NSPCC Helpline alerting authorities six times a day about babies in dangerNSPCC Helpline alerting authorities six times a day about babies in danger

The NSPCC's 24 hour Helpline is contacted on average six times a day* about babies in such serious danger the charity has to alert the police or social services. And half of these cases involve parental drug and alcohol problems.

Although these figures are deeply worrying, the NSPCC is concerned that there is an even wider population of babies living in vulnerable and complex family situations with limited access to preventative services. A recently published analysis suggests, for example, that around 79,000 babies under one in England live with a parent who is a problem drinker.

The charity's 'All Babies Count' **campaign, at http://allbabiescount.nspcc.org.uk/, argues that much more needs to be done to prevent situations getting to the point where serious action is required. By working with families under pressure and providing effective support they can be helped before problems build up and reach crisis point.

Media psychologist and NSPCC Helpline Ambassador Dr Linda Papadopoulos, who is backing the NSPCC's call for action, said:

"A baby's first year provides the essential foundations for all future learning, behaviour and health. Harm at this age can have lifelong consequences. And while not all children living with parents who face addiction problems are harmed or neglected we are concerned that there is a strong correlation.

"Older children may be able to confide in someone or call ChildLine if there is a problem, but obviously babies can't. This makes it even more important that any concerns are reported straight away to the NSPCC Helpline.

"It's never been easier for people to get in touch with an NSPCC Helpline counsellor. You can call, email and now text the helpline in confidence if you are worried about a baby or any child. And parents themselves can also call for support if they are struggling to care for their baby so they can get professional help to develop safe and happy relationships with their children."

One caller to the NSPCC Helpline said: "I'm concerned the baby's not growing at all. The mother seems to be drinking a huge amount of vodka. How can she look after a baby?" Another caller said: "They leave the three-month-old in a bouncer and they go out the back to drink and smoke drugs."

Head of the NSPCC Helpline, John Cameron, said:

"The NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000, help@nspcc.org.uk or text number - 88858 - is here to help any child in danger. The public have been amazing at coming forward when they see a child in danger and we urge them to keep calling. But we are also taking action, and calling on the Government to support us, to stop abuse and neglect happening in the first place.

"To help families keep babies safe it is vital that problems are picked up early. Official reviews into the death or serious injury of children aged under one have repeatedly found missed opportunities during pregnancy to identify and act on risks to babies' welfare. Services must be available before it reaches this point."

Alongside providing the 24 hour Helpline for reporting concerns the NSPCC's 'All Babies Count' campaign will see the charity investing in new intensive prevention services*** for vulnerable babies and their families** and calling on the Government to ensure that all vulnerable babies have access to the services they need.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Dr Linda Papadopoulos is available for media interviews between 7.30am and 9.30am on 13 December 2011. 

To request an interview with Dr Linda, an NSPCC spokesperson or for further information please contact the NSPCC media team on 020 7825 2962 or 07976 206625 (out of hours).

Regional media release available for Wales, Scotland Northern Ireland.
Wales NSPCC media office: 07977 127064
Northern Ireland NSPCC media Office: 07920 531480 / 07779 010219
Scotland NSPCC media office: 07760 272021/ 07711713517

* From November 2010 to October 2011, the NSPCC Helpline made 2050 referrals to the authorities that included a child under one.  An analysis of 144 referrals found that parental substance misuse was identified as a factor in 50 per cent of cases. The report 'Helpline Highlight: How the NSPCC Helpline protects babies' is available to download from 13th December 2011 at: www.nspcc.org.uk/helplinehighlights

The NSPCC's free 24 hour helpline is staffed by experienced child protection helpline counsellors. They have the knowledge and experience to know when a family needs more help and when a referral to the authorities needs to be made in order to keep a child safe. NSPCC Helpline counsellors can be contact in confidence on 0808 800 5000, text 88858, or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

** As part of its national campaign 'All Babies Count' the NSPCC is:
calling on the Government to ensure support services are available to all vulnerable babies at the earliest possible stage;
asking the public to play their part by pledging their support at www.allbabiescount.org.uk and calling the NSPCC Helpline if they are concerned about a baby or any child;
investing in new intensive support services to work with vulnerable parents and their babies; and
delivering vital safeguarding training to professionals working with children and families.
(calls on Government apply to England only)

***The NSPCC has recently launched a new programme 'Parents Under Pressure' for
vulnerable parents including those affected by drug or alcohol problems at ten locations
across the UK. NSPCC therapists will work with both mothers and fathers to reduce the
risk of abuse and neglect by helping them develop good parenting skills so they can
have safe, caring relationships with their babies.

About the NSPCC (The NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) is the UK's leading children's charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. The NSPCC runs projects and services across the United Kingdom and Channel Islands, including ChildLine, the UK's free, confidential 24-hour Helpline for children and young people.