Headline Statistics

• During 2024-25, 70 beds were available across four secure accommodation services in Scotland for those under the age of 18. This is a reduction from 78 beds in the previous two years and down from 84 beds between 2016-17 and 2021-22 .
• 128 admissions to secure accommodation took place during 2024-25 – a 14% decrease from the previous year (149). This continues a longer term trend in decreased admissions since 2016 (256).
• 136 discharges from secure accommodation took place during 2024-25 - a 9% decrease from the previous year (150) and the lowest number of discharges since 2017 (257).
• During 2024-25, there were an average of 58 children in secure accommodation – down from an average of 60 children in 2023-24. There has been an overall decrease in the average number of children in secure care since 2020 (82).
• On average, 53 children were from within Scotland (up 10% on 2023-24) and 6 were from outside Scotland (down 50% on 2023-24).
• Emergency beds were used for a total number of 145 nights, the highest number of nights since 2020. In total, 12 residents used an emergency bed during the year.