SOME suspected child abuse cases are awaiting investigation because health boards have been given too little money with which to protect children, the trade union Impact says.
Children and babies are being placed in hospitals because there is nowhere else to put them, says the union, which represents social workers.
"Hundreds of families are on waiting lists for family support services. These include cases of reported abuse awaiting investigation and cases which will inevitably become child abuse situations if family support services are not provided."
Children who should be in care for their own safety remain at home due to lack of placements, and those who are in care are not monitored as required by legislation because of inadequate staffing levels, it says.