Cafcass; Post-baby Peter hike in care cases continues

http://www.stopinjusticenow.com/news/archive/2009/september/11/06.htm

Applications for first four months of 2009-10 almost 75% higher than first quarter of 2008-9
Cafcass has revealed that the increase in care order applications to the family courts in the wake of the baby Peter case shows no sign of slowing, with Julys total just below the record high of June.
The family courts body received 755 section 31 care and supervision order requests in July, 270 more than in the same month last year and only 19 fewer than June 2009s record of 774.
Julys figure brings the total for the first third of the 2009-10 financial year to 2,826, almost 75% higher than the same period last year, and averages out at 707 per month, compared with 408 over the same time last year.
As well as increasing cost pressures on Cafcass, the rise in applications is hitting local authorities, who have been responsible for paying court fees of up to Pfund4,825 per case since May 2008, up from Pfund150.
Cafcass family court advisers ensure the rights of children are represented in care cases.
Care summit planned
Cafcass, the Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Childrens Services plan a joint summit later in the year to discuss the trends in care applications and the impact on children and families.