MORE than 200 children were taken into care in Bournemouth last year, 25 more than during the previous year, latest ChildLine figures have revealed.

A new report shows that local authorities are looking after more children since the Baby P case, with 64,400 in care in 2010, compared with 60,900 in 2009, including 205 in Bournemouth.

ChildLine figures also reveal that in Dorset the number of children in care rose from 265 to 275 while in Poole the figure increased from 115 to 120.

According to ChildLine, applications to place children in care remain at unprecedented levels.

The report calls on local authorities to ensure fostered and other children in care always have an adult to speak up for them when they need help.

Bournemouth council’s children’s services panel chairman Cllr Claire Smith said: “The Baby P case has raised public awareness.

“People will contact the council if they have concerns about a child’s wellbeing; we need the public to act as our eyes and ears.”

Ann Graham, Bournemouth council’s service director for children’s social care, said: “There is no single reason for the increase in numbers because each child or young person’s situation is individual to them and carefully considered at that time.”

Gerry Moore, Borough of Poole’s head of children and young people’s social care, said: “The high national profile and attention around individual cases has further heightened agencies’ awareness in this area.

“However the borough has not seen a significant rise in the numbers of children in care.”

Toni Coombs, Dorset county council’s cabinet member for children services, said: “Since the tragic case of Baby P, the number of children subject to a child protection plan has significantly increased.

“We always try to help and support families experiencing difficulties so they can continue to care for their own children.

“However, sometimes, if it is in their best interest, we may have to look after a child or young person.”

• ChildLine can be contacted on 0800 1111 or at childLine.or.uk