Holding governments to account
Action for Children is committed to holding governments to account for the impact their decisions have on disadvantaged children, and to speak out where we see that the most vulnerable are being disproportionately affected by government policy.
Following the coalition government's first spending review in 2010 we published The Red Book, an annual report that aims to raise awareness of the real life impact of our current economic circumstances.
The Red Book 2012
Now into its second year, The Red Book 2012 looks at the impact of the spending changes over the past year and highlights ways in which far more could be achieved for the funding available.
Our findings
The Red Book 2012 shows that budgets for frontline services are being further squeezed following cuts last year, demand for services continues to increase and children and families are facing more severe problems than they were this time last year.
Our evidence shows that:
- Almost 2 in every 3 families we work with are facing more severe problems than they were this time last year, such as neglect, deprivation and mental health problems.
- The number of frontline staff seeing suspected cases of child neglect has risen to 48%.
- Demand for frontline services is intensifying with 51% of managers reporting an increase in referrals over the last six months.
- The system that ought to help the most vulnerable children and families isn't working because of short-term thinking and instability.
- Short-term funding is creating barriers for services to develop the strong relationships with vulnerable children and their families that we know can achieve lasting positive outcomes.
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