Exploring the Evolving Landscape of Children in Care: Key Statistics and Insights on Their Well-Being Delve into the dynamic field of child welfare, focusing on the latest trends and statistics that impact the well-being of children in care. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and resources available, while highlighting the critical factors influencing the health and development of vulnerable youth. This exploration aims to provide valuable insights for professionals,...
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The welfare of children looked after (CLA) in England is a critical issue for local authorities and policymakers. Data from the period ending March 31, 2025, provides essential insights into the demographics, placement trends, and legal circumstances concerning these children.
This article examines the latest statistics and compares them to previous years to highlight changes and ongoing challenges within the care system.
Current statistics on children looked after
As of March 31, 2025, the number of children in care was 81,770, representing a 2% decrease from the prior year.
This figure reflects a decline from a peak of 83,750 in 2025. The overall rate equates to 67 CLA per 10,000 children, down from 69 in 2025. Local authorities have repeatedly revised earlier data, which has contributed to fluctuations in reported figures.
There is significant disparity in CLA rates across various regions. For example, Blackpool reports the highest rate of 184 CLA per 10,000 children, while Richmond upon Thames has the lowest at just 27. These differences highlight the complexities of child welfare and the varying resources available to local authorities.
Demographic insights and trends
Analysis of the demographics of children looked after reveals important trends. Males comprise approximately 56% of the CLA population, significantly higher than their representation in the general child population at 51%. This pattern persists even when excluding unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC), indicating broader issues within the care system.
Ethnic representation
Ethnic diversity is also a critical factor in understanding the characteristics of CLA. Children of White ethnicity constitute 71% of the population, while those from Mixed ethnic groups account for 11%. Children from Asian backgrounds are under-represented, making up only 5% of CLA. This disparity raises significant questions regarding access to resources and support for children from diverse backgrounds.
Another notable trend is the aging demographic of CLA. Between 2025 and 2025, while the total number of children in care increased slightly, the population under five years old saw a decline. Specifically, the number of children under one decreased by 8%, and those aged one to four fell by 14%. Conversely, the number of CLA aged 16 and older rose by 17%, reflecting a shift toward older children within the system.
Placement types and legal circumstances
Placement settings for children in care provide valuable insight into their living conditions. Foster placements remain the predominant choice, accommodating around 54,820 children, which represents 67% of the total CLA population. However, there has been a 2% decline in this category compared to the previous year. Notably, nearly a quarter of these foster placements (24%) involve relatives or family friends.
Regarding legal status, a substantial 75% of CLA are under care orders, while 19% are cared for under voluntary agreements. These legal frameworks are crucial for understanding the support systems and protections available to children in care.
Challenges faced by unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children represent a unique subset of the CLA population. As of March 2025, there were 6,540 UASC, a decrease of 12% from the prior year. Most of these children are male (94%), and a significant 90% fall within the 16 years and older category. Their primary needs often arise from absent parenting, abuse, or neglect, which underscores their vulnerabilities.
Local authorities have a legal obligation to provide care for these young individuals, emphasizing the necessity of effective support systems and resources. The implementation of a national transfer scheme since February 2025 aims to ensure these children receive the necessary assistance across different local authorities.
As of March 31, 2025, the number of children in care was 81,770, representing a 2% decrease from the prior year. This figure reflects a decline from a peak of 83,750 in 2025. The overall rate equates to 67 CLA per 10,000 children, down from 69 in 2025. Local authorities have repeatedly revised earlier data, which has contributed to fluctuations in reported figures.0
