Care applications hit record high
Figures published today show that in February a total of 1,225 care applications were made – the highest-ever figure recorded by the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass).
It represents an increase of 9.4 per cent, or 105 applications, on the previous record of 1,120 recorded in July 2015.
February’s total also makes 2015/16 a record year for care applications. With March still to go, the total number of care applications for the first 11 months of 2015/16 now stands at 11,513. The previous high of 11,517 was recorded for the full 12-month period of 2014/15.
The increase in the number of care applications comes as the actual number of children in care continues to rise.
Figures published by the Department for Education in October show that, across all councils in England, the number of children in care rose from 68,800 in March 2014 to 69,540 in March 2015.
It has previously been claimed that rising levels of poverty in the UK and the impact of the refugee crisis are likely to be factors behind the rising number of care applications.
Source: CYPNow Website
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