MIDDLESBROUGH has one of the highest rates of children in care in the country, an independent report has revealed.
The town is in the top ten for the number of looked-after children with a rate of 117 children per 10,000 in that category.
Consultants Peopletoo who compiled the report accepted the town has high levels of poverty, but added that that other areas with similar deprivation rates do not have so many children in care.
The report said: "It is our belief that front line social workers have created a causal link between Middlesbrough's 'poverty' and the high levels of looked after children. This needs to be challenged."
It then set out recommendations to counter the problem, including establishing a programme involving schools, health workers and police and stronger early intervention.
The report has been discussed at Middlesbrough Borough Council's Children and Learning Scrutiny Panel where it was revealed that every school in Middlesbrough already has a social worker assigned to it.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here