Coronavirus (COVID-19): impact on children, young people and families - evidence summary June 2020

Children's services and third sector evidence and intelligence

The Parent Infant Foundation (4 May) has undertaken a consultation with specialist parent-infant relationship teams (NHS and third sector) in the UK on their experiences, challenges and learning in the first 6 weeks of lockdown.  Some of the key themes and insights are summarised below:

• Families experiencing poverty, chaotic homes or more significant difficulties have been at a cumulative disadvantage.
• A small minority of families have chosen to reject all contact by online media, even where they have the tools to do so. 
• Some families do not have the devices, wi-fi or phone credit to engage with services. There is rarely wi-fi in refuges.
• Previously fragile therapeutic alliances frequently haven't survived the transfer online.
• Some families have thrived in the virtual space, where there are fewer barriers than with face to face attendance. Young parents, in particular, find the increased use of Whatsapp and other text or video-based services familiar and welcome. Group sessions area also working well. 
• The main issues with delivering virtual services are building rapport with new families, lack of child voice, assessing safeguarding risk, lack of tech support and lack of privacy.
• There has been a drop in referrals, and a surge in demand is expected post-lockdown.

The British Association for Social Workers launched its survey on 16 March and updated it with COVID-19 questions.  This survey is ongoing but early findings from 1200 social workers report the following in relation to children's services:

• Social workers in children and families teams said they were worried self-isolation increased the risks in many situations.
• Several said they were worried over how to safeguard children, particularly given some families were refusing social worker visits because they were self-isolating and schools were closed so teachers wouldn't see children day-to-day.
• They shared concerns domestic abuse victims could end up trapped in abusive situations. They worried the economic fallout of the pandemic could exacerbate pressure within families who were already struggling, with some reporting local foodbanks were closing.
• Several said they were worried about a lack of emergency placements for children being cared for by carers who are in the high-risk group for the virus and may need to move urgently.

UK Youth has published findings of its survey about the likely impact of COVID-19 on young people and youth organisations.  The survey was conducted between 20-27 March and was completed by 252 respondents, representing 235 youth organisations.  The report highlights some key areas concern including mental health and wellbeing, increased loneliness and isolation, lack of safe spaces (outside and within the home), challenging family relationships, increased risk of online pressure and sexual exploitation and employment uncertainty.  Most services are engaging with young people virtually, although concerns were raised about the lack of digital infrastructure and availability of a private space for young people, as well as likely reduction in services due to a drop in funding.  

Who Cares? Scotland has a published report on the impact of COVID-19 on care experienced people in April and May based on intelligence from its ongoing work which includes advocacy support, helpline, and participation activities. The following key themes have emerged:

• Poverty - Many care experienced people (inc. care experienced parents and kinship carers) are struggling financially, including not having enough money for food. This is partly due to the increased costs of food and utility and digital access bills during lockdown, and partly that some care leavers living independently for the first time have not been adequately supported during this transition and are struggling to manage their finances. This includes a reduction in previously available support with accessing financial support. Delays in the social security systems due to increased demand were also highlighted.
• Health and wellbeing - The report highlights increased existing and new mental health concerns, social isolation, emotional impact of bereavement and increased tensions within personal relationships due to lack of/reduced professional support, particularly for young people living in temporary accommodation away from their usual support networks.
• Information and participation - Concerns are raised about a lack of digital access which is leaving some young people feeling isolated and without a voice, and preventing them from accessing services and education. 

The Food Foundation has conducted a UK wide survey of 4,343 adults. The number of adults who are food insecure in the Britain is estimated to have quadrupled under the COVID-19 lockdown. The survey found that adults with children, including those eligible for free school meals, are at particular risk of food insecurity.

Aberlour has published a report on how its services have responded to COVID-19. The challenges in delivering services in the current climate are described, alongside some positive changes such as increased continuity of staff in residential homes on a week-to-week basis which has been welcomed by children in the houses. The report describes how the organisation is seeing a rise in child protection concerns, domestic abuse reporting, mental health concerns and financial hardship, which is leading to a demand for additional supports for vulnerable families. It is anticipated that the level of need will continue to rise as a result of current circumstances.