Number of families awaiting support for children's behavioural problems 'unacceptable'

The ISPCC's ChildFocus service says it currently has a waiting list of 180 families looking for help.

The ISPCC's child focus service provides a comprehensive one to one support service to children aged 12 years or under who may be experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties.

It is described the situation whereby 180 families have contacted them looking for help but cannot get it as "entirely unacceptable".

It is also reporting a "staggering" increase in the number of people contacting them, up 44% last year on 2008 figures.

Parents have contacted them looking for help on issues like behavioural difficulties, emotional issues and parental separation.

The highest number of referrals received were from parents themselves.

The organisation is calling on the Government to act immediately to put children and families at the top of their priority list.