Nearly 8,000 child protection referrals were received by the Western Health and Social Care Trust in the 2025-26 financial year, according to data obtained under freedom of information.

In Fermanagh, 72 children were on the child protection register as of March 2026. Across the Trust area, the total was 378. Neglect was the most frequently recorded factor.

Of the 7,943 referrals, 2,450 came from the Police Service of Northern Ireland. During the same period, 153 children were taken into care and 99 were placed outside the Trust’s geographical area.

Avery Bowser, fostering services manager at Action for Children, said the figures illustrated pressures on social care and reinforced the need for the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services to be implemented. He said a single regional agency, recommended in the 2023 review, was crucial to reducing numbers through joined-up working and early intervention.

Mr Bowser added that poverty remained a significant factor and called for an agreed anti-poverty strategy with clear targets and ring-fenced funding from the Northern Ireland Executive.

Ulster Unionist MLA Diana Armstrong described the local numbers as shocking and paid tribute to social workers, family support staff and community organisations. She welcomed a family support package announced by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, saying early intervention was the most effective way to protect children and reduce demand on statutory services.

Workforce data showed 33 full-time equivalent vacancies in children’s social services as of March 2026, alongside 29 agency staff. Neglect was the leading category of concern among children on the register in the Western Trust area.