Struggling against the tide: an English child protection system in crisis with outcomes for families and new born children at risk – Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law
‘This paper examines decision making when very young children are at risk of interim removal from their mothers. It draws upon the legal framework and the threshold that should be upheld in cases involving removal into care. Statistics are presented indicating an increase in the number of cases involving babies and very young infants entering care, and the use of very short time scales from application to court hearings. National evidence is presented indicating the impact of poverty and deprivation in such cases. Stark regional differences highlight the disparity between care proceedings and removal of babies and infants in the North East of England. Resources remain overstretched and underfunded yet it is argued that the impact of is compounded by a workforce where social workers continue to report low job satisfaction, remain constrained by bureaucratic process and operate in a risk averse culture. In cases of removal of babies decisions are more likely to be based on poor evidence due to lack of time available to consider all possible options for children. Some examples of alternative approaches are considered and despite evidence of their success it is highlighted that initiatives are funded sporadically and inconsistently. Some recommendations are made in terms of ways forward and priorities if progress is to be made to decrease the numbers of babies entering care.’
Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 12th August 2026
Source: www.tandfonline.com
