How covid-19 puts vulnerable children in greater danger

IN NORMAL TIMES Chris, a social worker in a north London borough, visits the homes of vulnerable children, checking the fridge for food, looking for evidence of drugs or excessive drinking and otherwise being the eyes of the state. Now he has to try to gauge the condition of a household over a ropy internet connection. “It’s been an extraordinarily steep learning curve,” he says. “When you’re relying on a video call, things can easily be hidden.” A child who appears to be alone may not be. A violent partner may just step outside. Illicit substances can be locked away.

The number of children in the care of the state has been rising for over a decade, as the government becomes more cautious about leaving vulnerable children exposed to potential harm. Around 400,000 children have an assigned social worker, meaning that the state is worried enough about their welfare to want to check on them frequently. According to the Children’s Commissioner, 723,000 are receiving some sort of protection and 2.3m are “living with risk”.

Lockdown affects nearly everyone, but those least vulnerable to the actual virus—children—may be among the most exposed to the consequences of being shut in, especially if they are poor. With families cooped up, often in overcrowded homes, the likelihood of violence or abuse soars. Calls to the government’...