Children's social work statistics: 2019 to 2020

Children's social work statistics for Scotland for 2019 to 2020, including data on children and young people looked after, on the child protection register and in secure care.


What are the trends in other children's social work data?

Between 2009 and 2020 the number of children referred to the Children's Reporter decreased by 73%[5] (Chart 9), while the number of children looked after or on the child protection register has remained broadly stable over this period. The decrease is the result of falls in both the number of offence and non-offence referrals. Offence referrals now account for 21% of all referrals.

Chart 9: Number of children referred to the Children's Reporter and numbers looked after/on child protection register, 2004 2020
This shows children referred to the Children's Reporter, looked after and on the child protection register

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.

Contact

Email: childrens.statistics@gov.scot

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