Children’s Social Work Statistics 2022-23 – Looked After Children

Looked After Children Statistics for Scotland for 2022 to 2023 that cover data on children who are looked after, young people in continuing care, and young people eligible for aftercare services.


Trends in other Children’s Social Work Data

The number of children referred to the Children’s Reporter as at 31 March decreased by 51% from 22,398 in 2013 to 10,981 in 2023. The decrease over the past decade is the result of falls in both the number of offence (down by 24% since 2013) and non-offence referrals (down by 56% since 2013). Offence referrals now account for 24% of all referrals. The fall in referrals to the Reporter is likely to be due to pre-referral screening across many areas of the country. This has led to a reduction in referrals received by the Reporter where compulsory measures are not deemed necessary, and a proportionate increase in referrals, where deemed necessary.

Chart 5 Trends in other Children’s Social Work Data

Number of children referred to the Children's Reporter and numbers looked after/on child protection register, 2004-2023

This line graph shows the number of children referred to the Children's Reporter and number of children looked after and on the Child Protection Register between 2004 and 2023. Although these patterns fluctuate from year to year, broadly, this shows that all children’s social work trends have declined over the past decade. The number of non-offence referrals has consistently remained higher than offence referrals.

Contact

Email: childrens.statistics@gov.scot

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