Data Check: Increase in care applications

19 September 2011 1 min read Social Care Family courts and Cafcass

Between April and August this year, Cafcass (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) received 4,105 care applications. This is 8.7 per cent higher than the same period in 2010.

For August alone, there were 885 applications, the highest figure for any August. March this year saw a record 894 applications. The monthly average to date this year is 814, compared to 754 in 2010, 710 in 2009 and 460 in 2008.

In 2010/11, Cafcass saw a 4.1 per cent increase in care applications, with 9,184 new applications, up from 8,826 in 2009/10. This, in turn, was a 36 per cent increase on 2008/09.

Cafcass chief executive Anthony Douglas said the figures show local authorities are more aware of life-threatening situations involving children. He added that the spike in August shows there is no longer a "quiet time" for care referrals.

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