Ruth Ball works in the NSPCC Strategy Unit, which is tasked to develop new ideas to end the maltreatment of children. Ruth’s research and experience has focussed on the issues affecting vulnerable families, children and young people, and the services which support them. In particular, she has worked on projects investigating the commissioning and provision of services that support pregnant women, babies and their parents. She is currently leading on work looking at the provision of support for vulnerable and at risk teenagers.

Ruth has also worked across a range of child welfare and child protection issues including neglect, early years, sexual abuse, childcare, youth justice and protection for children with disabilities.