Cost of living crisis driving more North Yorkshire children in care
North Yorkshire County Council says it's doing everything possible to support families
We've been investigating how the cost of living crisis is leading to more children being taken into care in North Yorkshire.
The County Council also says the mental health impact of the pandemic has lead to the rise.
Our exclusive figures show 173 children were taken into care last year - up 25% since 2019.
Mel Hutchinson is the Assistant Director for Children and Families at North Yorkshire County Council: "Those children that were previously in poverty, that's just increased that even more so, and when people are struggling to cope that's often when you see often a rise within mental health needs, alcohol use, drug use, because people are really, really struggling".
"Without doubt the Cost of living has had a huge part to play"
"We have seen an increase in referrals from families that perhaps wouldn't normally have made contact with children and family services previously because they are struggling to cope."
It's also claimed that the mental health impact of the pandemic has contributed to the rise. Mel Hutchinson explains: "For some they've struggled to get back into the swing of those things they were doing beforehand, before the pandemic hit us in terms of going into school and mixing with peers, for some feeling really anxious and struggling to cope."
The County Council also say there has been a rise in the number of unaccompanied children asylum seekers coming to North Yorkshire in the past few years.
They are encouraging anyone interested in fostering to get in touch with them to find out more on their website.