In conjunction with the launch of their Christmas appeal, the NSPCC report a rise in child neglect in Scotland after analysing police data. In 2018/19 there were 818 child cruelty offences recorded which is an increase on the 640 recorded in 2017-18. Head of Service for the NSPCC in Scotland, Matt Forde highlighted societal issues such as “increasing pressure on parents and a lack of investment in early intervention and support services” as a key to increased vulnerability for children.
