Number of care applications made by councils fell in 2013/14, reports Cafcass

The number of care applications received by Cafcass fell in 2013/14, according to the latest statistics for the 152 English local authorities with responsibility in this area.

Cafcass reported that there were 9.2 applications per 10,000 child population, down from 9.7 in 2012/13.

This figure is still higher than for 2011/12, however, and significantly higher than for 2008/09 (at 5.9).

A majority of local authorities, 90 out of the 152, saw their rate of applications decrease during 2013/14. In the case of one council the number of applications made fell by 58%.

But not all authorities saw a decrease. More than a third (38%) recorded an increase during the year, with one council seeing their figure rise by 194%.

In other findings:

  • 17% of local authorities (or 26 out of 152) had had a decrease in applications per 10,000 children for two consecutive years in a row. The largest two-year decrease (difference between 2013/14 and 2011/12) was by 55%.
  • 22% of local authorities (33 out of 152) had had an increase in applications per 10,000 child population for two years in a row. The largest two-year increase was by 162%.

Last month Cafcass received a total of 797 applications – down 13% compared to those received in April 2013. 

Cafcass said the rate of care application was significant as it helped identify trends in care proceedings independent of population growth.

Anthony Douglas, chief executive of Cafcass said: “After year-on-year rises in applications it is not surprising to see that the rates have steadied – a cohort of children that were at risk have now been protected through the action of local authorities in bringing care proceedings. These children have also seen swifter justice, with remarkable reductions in the duration of these proceedings across the country.

“The fact that these reductions have been made in many cases ahead of the introduction of the 26-week limit set out in the Revised Public Law Outline, the Children and Family Act is even more remarkable and shows how well Cafcass, local authorities and judges are now working together. We will continue to meet with family justice colleagues to understand the differences in rates, to identify the best pockets of practice, and ensure that social work practice is developed to provide a sharp service that meets the needs of each individual child”.

Alison O’Sullivan, Vice President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) said local authorities would continue to look at the data in detail and analyse what their local figures were telling them.

“We know that most local authorities saw a rise in care proceedings following the tragic death of Peter Connolly and that a levelling off of the rise was to be expected,” she said.

“Statistics alone will never tell us the full picture of what is happening to children and families in a local area. Changes to the family justice system and the reduction in the duration of care proceedings have been brought about collectively by local authority managers, social workers, Cafcass, judges and lawyers. We will continue to work together to ensure that improvements that are already underway continue in the future.”

O’Sullivan said that the burdens of the process had been shifted away from the courts and back into the care planning process “which is the right thing to do for children and families”.

She added: “We must also remember that care proceedings are a necessary and positive step for some children and our decisions must always be focussed on the needs of the children.”