ADCS Safeguarding Pressures Research
ADCS Safeguarding Pressures research has provided evidence of trends in safeguarding and the provision of services to children and their families from 2007 in eight research phases. Through each phase, significant increases in safeguarding activity have been reported together with the range of contributing factors and costs.
Phase 9 of the research will take place in 2024. Further details will be shared here over the coming months.
ADCS Safeguarding Pressures Research Phase 8
Safeguarding Pressures phase 8 report draws on qualitative and quantitative data from 125 local authorities, covering 83% of England’s child population, to evidence and better understand changes in demand for, and provision of, children’s social care. It provides an insight into the first two years of the pandemic period, from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2022, and shows that the impact of Covid-19 continues to be felt in children’s lives, local communities and in public services. This, together with existing data, provides an insight into the safeguarding related pressures currently facing children’s services across the country.
- Safeguarding Pressures Phase 8 - Final Report (pdf)
- Safeguarding Pressures Phase 8 - Executive Summary (pdf)
Special Thematic Report on Children's Mental Health
ADCS has used data included in the ADCS Safeguarding Pressures Phase 8 research to develop a supplementary thematic report on children’s mental health - find out more.
Children's Services Policy Timeline
To accompany the latest report, ADCS has updated the timeline which illustrates the events and changes that impact on safeguarding children and young people in England. This update now includes a detailed timeline of Covid-19 related events and changes.
- Children’s Services Policy Timeline 2007 onwards
Previous editions
Previous editions
Phase 7 (2020/21): Full Report | Executive Summary | Interim report
Phase 6 (2018): Full Report | Executive Summary
Phase 5 (2016): Full Report | Executive Summary | Special Thematic Report on Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking and Refugee Children
Phase 4 (2014): Full Report | Executive Summary
Phase 3 (2012): Full Report | Executive Summary
Phase 2 (2010): Full Report | Executive Summary
Phase 1 (2008): Full Report | Executive Summary