Commenting on the report, Cathy Ashley, Chief Executive of Family Rights Group, said:
“These findings are very worrying. In recent days attention has been paid to the heartbreaking and lasting impact to children and birth parents of the adoption policies of the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
Yet this new research shows that there has been a significant rise in recent years in new born babies being subject to care proceedings whilst their mothers are still in hospital, in some cases still bleeding from the birth. The most common legal outcome for these babies will be adoption. Many of these mothers whose babies are subject to care proceedings are very young and too often have themselves been in care.
If the state is to consider the draconian step of removing a child from its parents, then fair process is essential. It is shocking that same day notices for care proceedings have become the norm in parts of England and Wales and leads to serious questions as to whether the system can act justly in such cases.
It is inexcusable that the chances of whether your baby may be removed varies so significantly depending upon where you live in England and Wales. We know from both research and our advice line that factors that can make a significant difference as to whether care proceedings are issued include: whether effective work is undertaken with expectant parents during pregnancy; the availability of mother and baby placements; the provision of services such as domestic abuse or mental health specialist provision; the severity of hospital maternity unit discharge policies; and whether the local authority has fully explored whether there are wider family who might be able to step in to support the parents and help care for the child, averting the need for care proceedings.
We – Government and all stakeholders in our child welfare and family justice system – urgently need to address the injustices set out in today’s research report – we know that the impact of failing to do so is lifelong for both children and their families”.