Expectations that the number of referrals to social services would increase in areas where Sure Start local programmes are in operation were unfounded, according to research.
The study, carried out by researchers at the University of Durham for the Department for Education and Skills, found that programmes had no significant impact on the number of referrals.
Many practitioners involved in the study, which covered 19 programmes in four local authority areas in the North East, had expected referrals to social services to increase as previously unmet need was revealed.
The researchers also found that Sure Start programmes had no impact on the number of children placed on the child protection register in each area.
It was suggested by all the local authorities that local programmes might have a long-term impact on the work of social services by carrying out preventive and early assessment work with families.
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