In April 2012, Cafcass received a total of 748 applications which is the highest ever number recorded by Cafcass for April. During 2011-12, Cafcass received 10,218 new applications. This figure is 11% higher than that for the last financial year.
Responding to new figures on the numbers of children being taken in care Catherine McKinnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Children and Young Families said:
“Month on month we see the number of applications to take children into care rising. Against the backdrop of slashed children’s services budgets, family court delays and a huge shortage in foster carers, the result is a system that is struggling to cope. The Government must ensure our most vulnerable children are given the support they deserve.”
