I WRITE in response to Miss McNeil's letter on smacking (LET, November 12). The issue of adults hitting children is fraught with controversy but from my perspective social services rarely, if ever, sees the positive effects.

Admittedly we are called in when neighbours, family members or other services raise concern and often after a serious incident is alleged. It is important to dispel some myths. Of the near 3,000 referrals we take in children's services each year, we only ever have around 280 children in the care system. Most children we care for remain with their families while we work with them. Most children go home to live after any spell in care and those who remain in care do so for far more complex reasons than a smack.

We do challenge parents when an injury occurs to a child but this is in pursuit of keeping the child's interests at the centre of our concerns, not the adults. Rather than leave it too late for a child I would hope that communities and individuals would offer help to their neighbours if they are struggling with the care of their child. Failing that, call us. Turning a blind eye can lead to much worse for a child.

STEPHEN SLOSS, Director of Social Services, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Social Services Department, Jubilee Street, Blackburn.