THE number of children now on the Child Protection Register in St Helens is at its highest for years. The annual report of the St Helens Child Protection Committee has disclosed that the system dealt with 671 separate referrals regarding children and their families in 1998/99, making it the highest total in a number of years. In addition, almost 50 per cent more girls than boys have been registered in the 10 to 15 age group.

Another worrying factor is the change of the largest registration category. Previously neglect, it is now the problem of physical injury and concerns cases relating mainly to older children. The report also highlights an increased awareness of domestic violence.

The report states: "This issue alone, with an increasing prevalence of drug abuse amongst parents with children on the register, accounts for the rise in registrations for emotional abuse. Conferences clearly acknowledged that in some families, where domestic violence or drugs issues were prevalent, the over-riding effect on the children was best recognised as emotionally abusive rather than neglectful."

Richard Jones, chairman of the Area Child Protection Committee and director of the council's Social Services, said their aim was to link up with other organisations to safeguard and promote the welfare of local children and young people. He added: "The task is a critical one and often highlighted locally and nationally when things go wrong. This report sets out to describe what is going right, what has been achieved to date and the work that will be undertaken in the coming year to improve the way agencies work together for children."

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