As a new decade dawns, a record number of children are now in the care of local authorities in England.
Department for Education figures covering the 12 months up to 31 March 2019 reveal there are 78,150 children in care – four per cent more than on the same date a year earlier.
The latest figures continue a trend that first began in 2011 and has gathered pace as the previous decade progressed (see graphics).
Throughout this time, rising care numbers have been blamed on a range of factors including overly cautious social work practice, bullish government policy, rulings in the family court and a rise in child poverty following austerity.
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