Increases in Care Applications

Commenting on the increasing number of care applications, Dave Hill, President of ADCS, said:

“Up and down the country local authorities are working hard to protect vulnerable children and young people from harm by supporting families to stay together where this is appropriate or finding a stable placement elsewhere if it is not. Each authority makes its own arrangements for bringing children into care which reflects local early intervention initiatives and use of social work time, for example. The decision that care is needed is ultimately taken by the courts based on clear evidence that a child or young person will suffer significant harm. There is no correct or appropriate figure.”

“There is no single reason or cause for the rising numbers of children in care. Our partners, including schools, are better trained and more effective in identifying need and local authorities are continually improving in their own assessment work. These are positive developments. Regardless of the causes, directors and local authorities will continue to do all in their power to ensure the most vulnerable children are safeguarded, including where absolutely necessary, through seeking court interventions.”

ENDS

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