Family Law

In May 2015, Cafcass received a total of 913 care applications. This figure represents a 5% increase compared to those received in May 2014.

This follows the release of annual figures in April, showing care applications at an all-time high during 2014-15.

Cafcass has suggested that this rise in application numbers may be attributable in part to a greater awareness of issues such as child sexual exploitation, which has in turn lead to more referrals to local authorities. Greater public and professional awareness of child protection issues, as well as more rigorous reviewing and scrutiny of plans within local authorities may also play a contributing role.

Between April 2014 and March 2015 Cafcass received a total of 11,143 applications.

This figure is 5% higher when compared to the same period in the previous financial year, when 10,620 applications were received.

The full figures are available on the Cafcass website.