Rise in babies in care proceedings raises fears of unnecessary adoptions, experts say | BBC News

A BBC News report, produced with File on 4 Investigates, looks at the number of babies involved in care proceedings in England. According to new figures from the universities of Lancaster and Oxford, care proceedings for babies have risen by 64% over the past two decades, with one in 118 infants affected, figures that peaked during Covid before dropping slightly and levelling off. Experts quoted in the video say many of these babies may not have needed to be taken into care if support had been in place, and raise concern that some children may have been permanently separated from their birth families unnecessarily. The BBC also reports that new guidance for Family Court judges, aimed at significantly reducing short-notice care hearings, is expected before the end of the year.

• Care proceedings for babies in England have risen by 64% over two decades, with one in 118 infants affected
• Figures peaked during Covid, then dropped slightly and plateaued
• Experts question whether some babies needed to enter care if support had been available
• New guidance for Family Court judges on short-notice care hearings is expected before year end

The number of children involved in care proceedings before they reach their first birthdays is at a persistently high level across England, according to experts who have published new figures. Data from the universities of Lancaster and Oxford indicates care proceedings for babies have risen by 64% over the past two decades, with one in 118 infants affected. The figures - up to 2024-25 - peaked during Covid, before dropping slightly and plateauing. While there are cases where it is unsafe for parents to continue contact with their children, experts have told File on 4 Investigates that many babies may not have needed to go into care if support had been in place. And, since very young children who go into care are more likely to be adopted than older children, there are also concerns from experts that some may have been permanently separated from their birth families unnecessarily. The BBC understands that new guidance for Family Court judges, to significantly reduce the number of short-notice care hearings - within hours or days of a baby being born - will be announced before the end of the year. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews