Numbers, scale and trends

This chapter summarizes some key social and demographic statistics from England and Wales which illustrate the scale of the challenge which faces any governments should they wish to develop strategic preventative social and legal policies to better support children and young people caught up in the critical family transitions following the breakdown of their parents' relationship. It begins with some preliminary observations which may not be immediately apparent from the bold figures. It then discusses fluctuating divorce rates and the increase in cohabitation, and statistical problems concerning the number of children involved in private law litigation involving contact and residence orders.