However, the two-year study by academics from the University of Bristol showed the scheme produced results despite some of the benefits going unrecognised by children’s social workers.
The study into the pre-proceedings process (PPP) showed that 25 per cent of cases that it was used on, and which had been earmarked for care proceedings, ended up being resolved without a court application having to be launched.
Professor Judith Mason, who led the study, said diverting these cases was able to save councils involved in the pilots thousands of pounds in legal fees and social worker time associated with going to family court.
“If you can cut down the number of care proceedings it is possible to save money,” she added.
However, she said the analysis of the pilot had showed some of the benefits of using the process reduced over time as social workers began using it less because they were unaware it was preventing some cases going to court.
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