A new “vulnerability index” from the Centre for Young Lives aims to become a key national dataset to help policymakers better understand and respond to the needs of children and young people.

The updated index builds on earlier work by Anne Longfield, but now combines multiple datasets to identify vulnerable children and better target early support, rather than relying on crisis intervention.

It comes as early intervention spending by councils has fallen by 44% since 2010, while spending on late intervention has risen by 57%, highlighting a shift towards reactive services.

The index will support a new research hub (EI-EPIC), bringing together data analysis, policy research and advocacy to influence national and local decision-making. A key focus will be on women and girls, recognising their increased vulnerability to poverty, ill health, abuse and exploitation.