Local MP Robert Largan is urging local people to look at new statistics regarding vulnerable children in High Peak. The Children’s Commissioner has been reporting on childhood vulnerability in England since 2017, and has provided new data to help people better understand and respond to the needs of children.
Research shows that, before the coronavirus outbreak, 2.3 million children in England were exposed to major family risk factors, including domestic violence or parental addiction issues. Two-thirds of these children were not receiving clear support.
New data on the needs of children has been produced by the Children’s Commissioner at a parliamentary constituency level. The data can be found in the online app, CHLDRN, which provides statistics on over 130 measures of childhood vulnerability. This includes how many children have a social worker, have been exposed to domestic abuse, or are at risk of falling out of education or being groomed by gangs.
In the High Peak, there are 251 infants between the ages of 0 and 1 living in a home with domestic abuse, poor parental mental health, or substance abuse. There are also 994 children growing up in a household with domestic violence, and 1,015 children persistently absent from school.
Robert is encouraging people to support local charities that help victims of domestic abuse, including vulnerable children. Last year, Mr Largan raised over £500 for Crossroads Derbyshire after shaving his lockdown beard.
Robert Largan MP commented:
“These figures from the Children’s Commissioner are a shocking reminder of how millions of children are exposed to domestic abuse and other dangers. It is happening across the country, including right here in the High Peak.
“We all want to see the country emerge stronger and more united after Covid, and this has to include a better future for every child. Please do your bit and support great local charities like Crossroads Derbyshire so we can help all victims of domestic abuse.”