February 2016 saw a record number of care applications made by social workers to the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass).
At 1,225, the number of applications in February is 100 more than the previous highest monthly figure, and 27 per cent higher than the same month in 2015.
February’s figure also marks the 21st consecutive month-on-month rise, with the rate of growth also increasing – the past four months have seen double-digit rises (see graphic).
The persistent rise in monthly applications has also seen the figure for the first 11 months of 2015/16 surpass by more than 300 the 12-month total for 2014/15 (see graphic). If the trend continues in March, the annual total for 2015/16 will be around 1,500 applications higher than last year – a 13 per cent rise.
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