Children's Social Work Statistics, Scotland 2020-21

Children's Social Work Statistics for Scotland for 2020 to 2021, including data on children and young people looked after, on the child protection register and in secure care accommodation.

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Trends in other Children’s Social Work Data

Since 2011, the number of children referred to the Children’s Reporter decreased by 75% (Chart 9), while the number of Looked After Children or on the Child Protection Register has remained broadly stable over the same period. The decrease is the result of falls in both the number of offence and non-offence referrals. Offence referrals now account for 23% 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 9: Number of children referred to the Children's Reporter [1] and numbers looked after/on child protection register, 2004-2021

[1] Source: Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) – Official Statistics

Contact

Email: childrens.statistics@gov.scot

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