Record demand for care applications in July, figures show

The number of care applications reached a record high in July, with a total 1,305 applications made to Cafcass, new statistics have shown.

This was a 16% rise on the same month last year and the first time demand has surpassed 1,300 applications in a single month. Applications so far in 2016-17 are already 20% higher than the same period last year.

Tipping point

Demand on Cafcass has been increasing since 2013. In the latest Cafcass annual report Anthony Douglas, the organisation’s chief executive, said current demand was a “major issue” for the service and he would be monitoring teams to see if the pressure they were under reached a “tipping point”.

Douglas also said the service would work with government to try and manage demand issues, adding: “Work is underway with the Ministry of Justice on our future operating models across private and public law, an important part of which is assessing which measures may help stem demand, while ensuring those in need still receive a service.”