Trends in other children's social work data

The number of children referred to the Children’s Reporter as at 31 March decreased annually over the last decade, with the exception of a slight increase in 2023, by 38% from 15,858 in 2015 to 9,789 in 2025. The decrease of the past decade is the result of falls in both the number of offence (down 15% since 2015) and non-offence referrals (down by 45% since 2015). Offence referrals now account for 15% 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 Number of children referred to the Children's Reporter and numbers looked after/on child protection register, 2004-2025 [Note 1]

[Note 1] Data source for referrals to the Children's Reporter is from the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration website:  SCRA.