Latest figures show a record number of children with mental health problems were seen by social workers last year – an increase of more than a half in five years.
The LGA has called on the Government to adequately fund children’s social care and meet the £1.6 billion cost pressure already in the system to help ensure that children are safe and families receive the support they need.
LGA analysis shows that councils spent more than £10.5 billion on children’s social care in 2020/21, nearly 25 per cent more than the £8.5 billion spent in 2016/17.
This is because of record numbers of children in care and the increased complexity of some children’s needs, including severe mental health needs that require more intensive support packages.
The LGA is also calling for additional funding to provide the wraparound support increasingly needed by children, including community services, child and adolescent mental health services, and inpatient provision.
The LGA is concerned the current cost-of-living crisis will push more families into poverty, and more children will require support.
Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: “These alarming figures show the huge challenges facing children’s social care and the urgent need to ensure that young people get the support they need, as soon as they need it.
“Councils are doing all they can but are buckling under significant funding pressures to ensure they can support children and their families.”