A PILOT project will provide help for children at risk of neglect or emotional abuse.
National children's charity the NSPCC is operating a pilot scheme in Sunderland, in which six volunteers will provide a support service.
The project is being run with Sunderland City Council's social services directorate and the Community Service Volunteers (CSV).
Volunteers will be trained, then matched with families whose children are on the child protection register, offering support and access to community services.
The project arises out of the recommendations of Lord Laming's report into the death of Victoria Climbie.
Sara Livingstone, of Sunderland's CSV Volunteers in Child Protection, said: "It is vital that we continue to explore ways of increasing protection for children at risk of abuse. Child protection is the responsibility of all agencies, voluntary groups and the community."
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