The number of applications for children to be taken into care in England has hit an all-time high.
In February 2016, Cafcass received a total of 1,225 care applications. This figure represents a 27% increase compared to those received in January 2015 and an increase of 9.4 per cent, or 105 applications, on the previous record of 1,120 recorded in July 2015.
February’s total makes 2015/16 a record year for care applications. Click here to view a spreadsheet, which, in addition to the monthly national stats, has a tab displaying a breakdown of application and children numbers by local authority for each complete quarter from April 2012.
Read more at source: Care applications hit record high
Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) Press Release
“Up and down the country, each and every day, local authorities are actively working to protect vulnerable children and young people from harm.
“These figures show an increase in the numbers of care applications being made for children and young people with the highest level of need, this is something we are committed to doing when necessary even in the most challenging circumstances, with more children in need of help and support and less and less resources to do so. To date there has been some protection around core services at the expense of vital early intervention and prevention services such as youth work and children’s centres but now in many places core services are at risk. This is a matter of serious concern for Directors of Children’s Services and the sector as a whole and government must recognise that demand for children’s services must be better understood and adequately funded so that children, young people and their families can lead happy and successful lives.” Dave Hill Vice President, ADCS
Read at source: Latest Cafcass Figures – Comment
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