Feature: Children under one

Over the last year, as part of its strategy to 2016, the NSPCC has redefined the key issues that its innovative services for children and families will focus on. One of these seven 'themes' is the prevention of maltreatment of children under one, and the importance of intervening during what is the most important developmental period in a child's life.

The statistics are damning:

• Almost half (45 per cent) of all Serious Case Reviews involve a child under one
• Infants under one face around four times the average risk of child homicide
• Between 8 and 12 per cent of all children subject to a child protection plan are aged under one.

Despite the severity of these figures, the extent of abuse and neglect of babies is almost certainly underestimated, as most child abuse goes unreported.

Research has found that pregnancy and the first year of a child's life is absolutely critical in determining future development, providing the essential foundations for all future learning, behaviour and health. It has also been demonstrated how, without effective intervention, early adversity in a child's life can accumulate over the course of a life and even be passed between generations. 

Pregnancy and the first year offer a critical window of opportunity when families are uniquely receptive to support.  There is now strong evidence that preventative support, helping vulnerable and at risk families get off on the right foot, can help to avoid the devastating personal, social and financial costs that follow when support is not available.

If you think that a child or baby is in danger, the NSPCC helpline is available 24-hours a day. The service is totally anonymous and the only details that are taken are those that will help us identify the child. By contacting us we can decide the right course of action and ensure that the child receives the best possible help.

Further reading

Children under one media briefing
Our approach
Are you worried about a child?
Types of child abuse