ALMOST 15,000 vulnerable children in the South West referred to social services are not getting help because their needs fall short of the criteria for support, according to UK charity Action for Children.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request that was sent to all local authorities in the region revealed that in 2015/16, almost 17,900 children’s needs assessments were closed as ‘no further action’ as they did not meet the threshold for statutory services.

Of these, around two in five families received early help services such as children’s centres or domestic violence programmes, leaving an estimated 14,900 children without support.

Emma Horne, national director for England South at Action for Children, said that opportunities were being missed to help children and families at an earlier stage.

She said: “Our report turns a spotlight on the thousands of families who are not getting help, despite concerns having been raised about the welfare of a child.

“Social care can’t just be there for when a family is facing meltdown.

“Every day too many children’s lives are overshadowed by drugs, alcoholism, domestic violence and neglect – a toxic recipe for all kinds of problems now and in later life.

“Punishing savings targets have given local authorities no option but to drastically shrink or abandon services, including family support, leaving large numbers of children on the fringes of social care without the help they need.

“We are missing opportunities to help these children and their families at an early stage.

“If the Government is serious about looking after the most vulnerable children in society, it must urgently re-invest in local services that are proven to tackle the root causes of neglect and abuse – not just hope it can firefight the symptoms.”