News

Latest figures released by the Department for Education show that the number of looked after children in England placed for adoption, which rose from 2011 to 2014, has decreased by 15% in 2015 to 3,320 (as at 31 March). This is consistent with the decrease in the number of looked after children with a placement [...]

The huge growth in the use of special guardianship orders has prompted concerns across the social care sector about the conduct of local authorities and the courts, according to responses to a government consultation which closed last week.

The responses highlighted problems with local authority support for prospective carers, hurried assessments to meet the 26-week timescale [...]

Cafcass statistics reveal that July 2015 saw the highest number of new care applications ever made

Care applications hit an all-time high for the second month in a row in July.

Figures released today by Cafcass show that it received 1,111 new care applications in July, the highest monthly figure ever recorded. This tops the previous record of [...]

Last month, the children and family courts service received 1,104 care applications, a 25% increase on the same time last year

More care applications were received in June than ever before, figures recorded by Cafcass have revealed.

Last month, the children and family court advisory and support service received 1,104 care applications from children’s social workers, a [...]

Independent reviewing officers (IROs) have voted to remain based within local authorities. 

A survey of members by the National Association of Independent Reviewing Officers (Nairo), found that 72 per cent felt IRO services were “best placed within local authority management”. The survey was conducted in response to ongoing concerns that IROs, who are responsible for championing [...]