The latest children's social work statistics: what you need to know

This week, the Scottish Government has published the 2017-18 Children's Social Work Statistics for Scotland.

The figures show that 14,738 children were looked after on 31 July 2018, a decrease of 1 per cent from the previous year - the sixth consecutive decrease. A total of 2,668 children were on the child protection register, a 3 per cent increase on the previous year.

Here's a quick summary of the figures.

Looked after children and young people

  • 90 per cent of looked after children and young people are looked after in community settings, with approximately 34 per cent with foster carers.
  • Numbers of children and young people looked after in residential accommodation have stabilised at around 10 per cent.
  • Approximately 72 per cent of looked after young people aged 16+ had a pathways plan and around 70 per cent had a pathways coordinator.

Aftercare

  • Approximately 6,109 young people were reported to be eligible for aftercare services, with 62 per cent known to be receiving aftercare.
  • For those eligible for aftercare services and aged 16-21, around 70 per cent were in receipt of aftercare.
  • For those eligible for aftercare and aged 22 or above, around 43 per cent were in receipt of aftercare.

Continuing Care

  • Continuing Care has been included in the statistics for the first time this year.
  • According to the figures, 116 children who ceased to be looked after between 1 August 2017 and 31 July 2018 stayed in Continuing Care.
  • An additional 92 young people were eligible for aftercare and recorded as being in Continuing Care.
  • The Scottish Government states that these figures are likely to be underestimates and that feedback will be gathered from local authorities on the process of data collection for Continuing Care to improve future reports.

Secure Care

  • The number of children in secure care has increased by 5 compared to the previous year.
  • 34 per cent of children and young people in secure care were aged over 16.

You can read the full report here: Children's Social Work Statistics Scotland, 2017-18.

Manage Cookie Preferences