SCOTLAND

The figures presented below are taken from statistical reports gathered and published by government departments and bodies. Details of sources are provided at the foot of this page.

Looked After Children
  Placements
Adoption
  Adoptions from Care
Sources

LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN

On 31 July 2021: 

  • 13,255 children were in the care of local authorities, a decrease of 8% from 31 July 2020. 
  • the rate of all looked after children per 10,000 population under 18 years was 131, or 102 for only children looked after away from home

Placements

On 31 July 2021: 

  • 34% (4,467) were living with foster carers (provided or purchased by LA)
  • 22% (2,859) of children looked after were living at home with parents 
  • 33% (4,399) were living with kinship carers (friends and relatives)
  • 10% (1,286) were living in residential accommodation
  • 1% (156) were living with prospective adopters

ADOPTION

Adoptions from Care

224 looked after children were adopted during the year ending 31 July 2021

 


SOURCES

Scottish Government: Children's Social Work Statistics Scotland 2020-21
The Scottish statistics include data on children looked after, on the child protection register and in secure care from August 2020 to July 2021. The looked after data is broken down by accommodation type, care plans, numbers starting and ceasing to be looked after, destination on leaving care, pathway plans and aftercare services.