Social services have a duty to look after the welfare of any child in need. They either provide directly or arrange for a range of help to families in crisis. This includes advice, counselling, help in the home or access to family centres. Sometimes services are provide by voluntary groups, for example refuges which provide a safe base for women and children who suffer domestic violence.
If a child is considered at risk of neglect or of physical, mental or emotional abuse, he or she is placed on a child protection register so the situation can be monitored. At the end of March 1996 some 32,000 children were on registers. A number of agencies and professions - co-ordinated by area child protection committees - are responsible for children at risk.
Children whose parents are unable or unwilling to look after them are placed in the care of the local authority who act as the legal guardian. The law requires that whenever possible children should remain with their families. However, if they are likely to suffer significant harm at home, children can either be placed in the care of foster parents or in a children's home with others. Children's homes are run by local authorities, voluntary or private organisations.
In September 1998 the Government launched the Quality Protects programme, a three-year strategy underpinned by ₤375 million, to improve children's services and deliver nationally agreed outcomes for children in care.