Cross UK comparisons

On 31 March 2025, Scotland’s rate of children looked after was 116 per 10,000, a reduction from 118 per 10,000 in 2024 and the lowest level recorded since 2005 (Chart 3). In 2025, Scotland’s rate remained higher than that of England (67 per 10,000) and Northern Ireland (96 per 10,000), and was equal to that of Wales (116 per 10,000). However, unlike the other UK nations, Scotland has seen a sustained decline in the rate of children looked after over the past decade. It should be noted that child care systems operate under different legislative frameworks across the UK, and caution is therefore required when making direct comparisons between countries.

Chart 3 Cross UK comparisons of rate per 10,000 looked after children, 31 March 2015-2025 [Note 1], [Note 2], [Note 3], [Note 4], [Note 5]

[Note 1] Scotland data is on 31 March for comparability purposes with other UK countries.

[Note 2] It should be noted that UK nations operate under different legislative frameworks, and as such are not directly comparable.

[Note 3] England data source: 

Children Looked After in England including Adoption, Reporting year 2025

[Note 4] Wales data source: Children looked after (gov.wales)

[Note 5] Northern Ireland Source: Children's social care statistics for Northern Ireland 2024/25