The number of new-born babies in Herefordshire that are being taken into care has risen over the last decade, new figures have shown.

The number of Section 31 care orders that are being made yearly on babies within one week of their life has risen steadily from zero 10 years ago to the nine which were made last year, a freedom of information request has revealed.

Section 31 care orders, which fall under the Children Act 1989, allow a court to place a child in the care of a designated local authority – such as Herefordshire Council – with responsibility being shared between the public body and the baby’s parents.

These orders are only made if the court is satisfied that harm or potential harm could occur if the child remains in the sole custody of the parents.

A total of 48 new-borns have been subject to these care orders since 2008 with 38 of these babies being put into fostering care, six had placements with their parents and four were admitted to hospital.

Children and Families Cabinet Member, Elissa Swinglehurst, said: “Children who become looked after often do so because the court is satisfied that the child is experiencing harm or could come to harm if he or she remains solely in the care of their parent or parents. Each case is considered on an individual basis.”