Publication - Statistics
Children's Social Work Statistics: Secure Care 2023-24
Secure Care Statistics for Scotland for 2023-24 that cover data on children in secure care accommodation in Scotland.
Correction
An error was identified in the total bed complement stated for one of the secure accommodation centres and the resulting total secure accommodation bed complement. In Table 1, the bed complement at St. Mary's Kenmure was incorrectly stated as 17. The correct figure is 24, giving a total secure accommodation bed complement on 31 July 2024 of 78. The figures within this document have not been amended. However, corrected figures will be available on 24 February 2026 as part of the revised time series published in the 2024-25 Secure Care Statistics.
Headline statistics
- During 2023-24, there were an average of 60 children in secure care accommodation – up 2% from an average of 59 children in 2022-23.
- On average, 48 children were from within Scotland (up 30% on 2022-23) and 12 were from outside Scotland (down 45% 2022-23).
- 149 admissions to secure care accommodation took place during 2023-24 – a 3% decrease from the previous year (154).
- Emergency beds were used for a total number of 11 nights – continuing the noticeable reduction starting in 2020. In total, six residents used an emergency bed during the year.