Rise in babies in care proceedings raises fears of unnecessary adoptions, experts tell BBC
Summary
The number of babies in England involved in legal care cases before turning one year old has increased significantly over the past 20 years. Experts say many of these babies might not have needed to enter care if their families had received more support, and new court guidelines aim to reduce rushed decisions soon after birth.Key Facts
- Care proceedings for babies under one year old in England have risen by 64% over two decades.
- One in 118 infants are now part of these care cases.
- Most babies taken into care before age one are more likely to be adopted than older children.
- Over 90% of adoptions happen without the birth parents’ written agreement.
- Courts often override parents’ wishes to keep their children, with many parents advised not to fight the adoption.
- Around 20-25% of these cases involve clear serious harm or abuse; the rest involve complex family issues like neglect and substance abuse.
- Experts believe some babies could remain with their families if better support was available.
- New guidance will be introduced to reduce urgent care hearings held within hours or days of a baby’s birth.
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