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Rise in babies in care proceedings raises fears of unnecessary adoptions, experts tell BBC
Overview
Experts and university data indicate that care proceedings for babies in England have risen by 64% over the past two decades, with one in 118 infants affected. While some cases involve clear-cut abuse, experts warn that many babies in 'grey area' cases of neglect might not have needed to enter care or face permanent separation through adoption if early support had been available. Over 90% of adoptions go ahead without parents' written consent. New Family Court guidance is expected to reduce short-notice care hearings for newborns, while government and local initiatives explore enhanced early intervention.
Key points
- Care proceedings for babies in England have increased by 64% over the last twenty years, affecting one in 118 infants.
- Researchers from the universities of Lancaster and Oxford note that only about a quarter of care proceedings are clear-cut cases involving serious harm or abuse.
- The majority of cases are categorised as 'grey area' situations involving complex needs like neglect, poverty, or substance abuse that might improve with better support.
- Approximately 72% of adopted children in England entered care before turning one, and over 90% of adoptions proceeded without written parental consent.
- Campaigners and experts have raised concerns regarding 'forced adoption' as birth parents frequently lose all legal contact and responsibility.
- Spending on early intervention services has dropped by 44% over a decade, contributing to pressures on local authorities and social workers.
- New Family Court guidance is expected to be announced to significantly reduce short-notice care hearings for newborns within hours or days of birth.
- Projects like Salford's Strengthening Families demonstrate that intensive early support can help keep families together in many borderline cases.