Welcome to another week.

The latest family court statistics for England and Wales tell us that in January to March 2021 there were 1,178 adoption applications, up 6% on the equivalent quarter in 2020. The number of adoption orders issued also increased by 6% to 1,166.

Meanwhile, an 81% increase relating to deprivation of liberty orders were noted in January to March 2021. Orders decreased by 4% in the latest quarter compared to the same period last year.

Our question this week then, is just this: what do you think explains the rise in adoption orders, and deprivation of liberty orders during those periods?