More money needs to be spent after the number of children needing council protection doubled in the wake of the Baby P scandal, the outgoing chairman of Kingston’s safeguarding board has said.
The number of children who were put on a child protection plan has increased from 29 in 2004-05 to 89 during the last financial year.
Social workers are dealing with an average of 20 cases but aim to increase staff levels so no one has more than 18 cases.
Patrick Leeson, director of children’s services at Kingston Council, said: "Resources will need to be looked at in the following year to make sure the safeguarding board is effective in the future.
"We have seen numbers double in the past two or three years."
He said children were more likely to experience domestic violence, substance abuse or mental health problems, either themselves or through their parents, and it was vital for health visitors dealing with children before nursery age to be aware of the signs of concern.
Mr Leeson also confirmed his replacement as chairman of the safeguarding board, when he leaves, will be independent.
Haringey Council was criticised in the wake of Baby P for having Sharon Shoesmith, the director of children’s services, investigate her own department.
Kingston Council will want to keep is outstanding rating now that Ofsted has started carrying out unannounced two day visits with little more than an hour’s notice, as well as inspections of every council every three years.
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