The cases of more than 5600 babies and toddlers under the age of two are being investigated over concerns of neglect and abuse – an increase of 10% in two years.

New research shows that two-thirds of these children were living with parents addicted to drugs or alcohol and three-quarters of their parents have a history of offending.

The study by the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) found that one in 20 of all children under two from across Scotland was referred to them last year and that a growing number need to be placed on supervision requirements for their protection.

The report raises serious questions about the success of current policies on child protection and early intervention.

In the past two years the number of under-twos referred has increased from 5070 to 5651.

The study looked in depth at the children behind the figures and analysed the backgrounds of 50 babies referred from different parts of the country.

It found that most of their parents were unemployed, more than half of the children’s parents had mental health problems, 20% had a parent who had been sent to prison and 10% of their fathers had been charged with sexual offences – four of which were for having sexual intercourse with girls under the age of 16.

The report states: “This research shows that this focus on early identification and intervention does not appear to have impacted yet on the numbers of young children requiring compulsory interventions to protect them. It may also reflect that more young children are at risk and that these risks are increasing.

“Most of the children are healthy and loved by the mothers with strong support networks in place from extended family. However, ongoing issues about both parents’ addictions and violence especially from males in the house mean that there continue to be concerns about the safety of these children. This suggests, that in some cases early intervention and support provided may not be enough to protect young children from dangers posed by the adults in their lives.”

The research was commissioned by SCRA because of growing concerns at the number of under-twos being referred.

Last year 941 children aged under two years old were subjects of Supervision Requirements – a 16% increase since 2005.

Jon Bannister, senior lecturer in the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research at Glasgow University, said: “There has been a concerted effort in Scotland to increase the resources underpinning early intervention strategies, which is to be welcomed. However, these resources struggle to compensate for the erosion of traditional familial and community support networks brought about by social fragmentation and economic deprivation.”