First-time mothers whose children go through family court care proceedings in England are 21 times more likely to die within 10 years of having their baby compared with other mothers, a new study by UCL researchers finds.

Amy Van Zyl, Chief Executive of the charity Her Circle, added: “Mothers whose children are subject to care proceedings are extremely vulnerable. Many will already have experienced abuse, violence and significant trauma. However, this is often compounded by the experience of navigating the social care and family court system.

“Child removal through the courts or by social services can be profound. This includes grief, stigma, guilt, loss of identity as a parent and, as these findings strikingly underscore, serious and adverse health consequences.