THE number of vulnerable children placed on the at-risk register in Hampshire has jumped by 53 per cent in the wake of the Baby P scandal.

County council figures show the number subject to child protection plans because they are considered at risk of abuse or neglect at home has risen from 445 in July 2008 to 644 in October 2009.

Meanwhile the number of children taken into care by the local authority has risen by 6 per cent over the same period to 1,084.

Figures disclosed in a report to Councillor David Kirk, who is responsible for children's services, show there has also been an 80 per cent rise in referrals to social services.

But officials say this figure needs to be treated with caution as during this period the council's call centre, Hantsdirect, became the first point of contact for public and professionals, making comparison with previous years difficult.

A report to Cllr Kirk said: "One important driver for this increase is the post Baby P effect of increased awareness of child protection issues among the public and professionals, including health, police and education staff.

"Social workers generally respond to referrals from these other professionals and the public."

The council recruited more social workers this year but the increased child protection and court work means they have less time to prevent family breakdown, warn officials.

The report said there has been an increase in sibling groups taken into care, for example a two-year-old, eight-year-old and teenager.

The rise in demand for foster care has also increased costs for the children's services department which is facing a £4.3m deficit, including schools.

Councillor David Kirk said he believed the rise in the number of children on the at-risk register and taken into care was also due to the recession because of the extra pressure placed on families. .

Baby Peter Connelly's mother, her boyfriend and his brother were convicted of causing the 17-month-old's death in November 2008.