Rise in babies in care proceedings raises fears of unnecessary adoptions, experts tell BBC
Experts report a 64% increase in care proceedings for infants in England over the last two decades, raising concerns about unnecessary adoptions. New judicial guidance is expected to reduce short-notice hearings for newborns.
Why it matters
The findings highlight potential systemic failures in child welfare and the long-term impact of separating infants from birth families without sufficient support.
Image source, Getty Images By Claire Kendall and Judith Moritz , File on 4 Investigates Published 14 minutes ago 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.
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