Babies in care proceedings up 64% in two decades

Care proceedings for babies have risen by 64% over the past two decades, reaching a persistently high level across England, according to experts. Data from Lancaster and Oxford universities indicates that one in 118 infants are affected by these proceedings before their first birthdays. The figures, which extend up to 2024-25, saw their highest point during the Covid pandemic before a slight decrease and subsequent plateau.

Experts speaking to File on 4 Investigates suggest that while some cases necessitate parental separation from children due to safety concerns, many babies might have remained with their families if adequate support had been provided. This has led to concerns that some infants may have been permanently separated from their birth families unnecessarily, given that very young children entering care are more likely to be adopted than older children.

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Adoption statistics and parental consent

Latest government figures reveal that 72% of adopted children in England entered care before reaching their first birthday. According to CoramBAAF, an organisation representing professionals in adoption and care, more than 90% of these adoptions proceeded without the written consent of the parents. In just under half of these instances, courts overruled the parents' wishes. The remaining cases were classified as 'unopposed', with many parents reportedly advised not to challenge the adoptions due to a low likelihood of success.

Adoption is recognised by the government and adoption organisations as a last resort, offering stability but permanently severing the legal ties between a child and their birth family. Professor Karen Broadhurst from Lancaster University noted that between one-fifth and one-quarter of care proceedings were 'clear-cut' cases involving serious harm or abuse. However, she stated that the majority fell into a 'grey area', involving neglect stemming from complex family needs such as substance abuse or housing difficulties, which might have been addressed with support.

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Children's charity Coram warns that infants in care who are not adopted are likely to remain in the care system, where research indicates they experience significantly poorer life outcomes compared to those raised outside of it. Social workers play a critical role in the decision-making process, assessing risks and balancing the need for intervention against allowing families time to overcome crises. The British Association of Social Workers has indicated that their members are working under increasing caseloads and reduced resources.

Concerns over 'forced adoption'

The situation, where only about 10% of adoptions in England are made with birth parents' written consent, has led some campaigners and experts to label it as modern-day 'forced adoption'. Professor Broadhurst acknowledged the term is 'politically loaded' and that the current system differs from coercive practices of the past. However, she stated it reflects the reality that parents do not agree with the outcomes and wish to maintain contact with their children, finding the prospect of no or minimal contact until adulthood particularly difficult.

One birth mother, Jean, described her experience of her daughter Tye being taken into care at 11 weeks old and subsequently adopted at two years old as 'forced'. Jean was separated from Tye for 16 years. Newham Council stated that Jean had been offered 'extensive support', including 24-hour assistance in a mother and baby unit, and contact through 'two-way letterbox communication'.

Sarah Johal, head of Adoption England, stated that while she understands why birth parents might use the term 'forced adoption', current decisions are a 'response to child protection'.

What happens next

New guidance for Family Court judges aimed at significantly reducing the number of short-notice care hearings, particularly those occurring within hours or days of a baby's birth, is expected to be announced before the end of the year, the BBC understands.