THE NEED

At CAMILA’S, we believe love must be matched with evidence. This page brings together the latest research, data, and reports on the realities facing children and families in the UK. From poverty and mental health to social care and early intervention, the statistics show both the scale of need and the urgency of response. Here, you’ll also find evaluations of our model and its impact — proof that care, creativity, and community can transform lives.

Evidence: Children’s Realities — A Decade in Decline

Child Poverty (UK)

Then (2010/11): 3.6 million children (27% of all children) were in relative poverty after housing costs.

Now (2022/23): 4.3 million children (30%) are in relative poverty after housing costs. House of Lords Library

Verdict: Worse — both the number and proportion of children in poverty have increased.

Probable Mental Disorder (England)

Then (2017): From the years 2017 to 2020 rates of probable mental disorder in children aged 5 to 16 years rose from 1 in 9 (10.8%) to 1 in 6 (16.0%) (NHS Digital, 2020). CYPMHC

Now (2023): Around one in every five children and young people aged 8-25 had a mental health difficulty (20.3% of 8-16 year olds, 23.3% of 17-19 year olds and 21.7% of 20-25 year olds (NHS Digital, 2023). NHS England

Verdict: Worse — prevalence has increased in all ages ranges.

Children in Contact with NHS Mental Health Services

Then (~2010s): Much lower numbers of referrals and treatments (no exact figure, but NHS describes current numbers as record highs).

Now (2022/23–2023/24): 949,200 children had active referrals; over 1 million treated. Children’s Commissioner.

Verdict: Worse — demand has surged beyond system capacity.

Waiting for Help (England)

Then (~2010s): Fewer children waiting, shorter delays (figures not systematically published).

Now (2022/23–2023/24): 270,300 children waiting; average waits ~6 months. Children’s Commissioner.

Verdict: Worse — waiting lists are long and entrenched.

Child Cruetly Prevalence

Then (~2010s): Self-reported surveys suggested that around 1 in 10 children in the UK had experienced neglect.NSPCC Learning.

Now (2023): 106% increase in child cruelty and neglect offences in England in the past 5 years. NSPCC

Verdict: Persistent and unchanged — neither prevalence nor recognition of neglect has declined; it remains deeply entrenched in the child protection system.

Children’s Social Care Demand (England)

Then (2013–14): There were 657,800 referrals to children’s social care—the highest ever at that time. However, this number masked a rising severity. Child protection enquiries (Section 47 investigations) surged by 57% over the previous decade. Additionally, the number of children on child protection plans increased by 1,600, reaching 49,900 by 2024. DfE via Commons Library, 2024

Now (2023/24): 621,880 referrals (≈1,700 daily). The Times

Verdict: Worse — demand is sustained at very high levels.

Children’s Centres / Sure Start (England)

Then (2010): Over 3,000 centres open, fully funded. Department of Education

Now (2022/23): More than 1,300 closed; funding down by two-thirds. IFS

Verdict: Worse — early-years infrastructure dismantled.

Early Help / Family Support Spending

Then (2010/11): £3.2bn per year allocated for early intervention. Social Work Today

Now (2024/25): Nearly half of councils cut budgets vs 2023/24; spending far below Sure Start-era. Barnados

Verdict: Worse — cuts continue despite growing need.