Vision statement eight: “Scotland must stop locking up children who have often experienced the failures of the state in the provision of their care.
The number of young people entering young offenders’ institutions decreases.
Number of under 21s in custody on an average day
| Year | Number |
|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 170 |
| 2023/24 | 169 |
| 2022/23 | 160 |
| 2021/22 | 187 |
| 2020/21 | 216 |
| 2019/20 | 326 |
Notes
Reporting period: 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025
Last updated: November 2025
Next Update due: Late 2026
Expanded Content
The average daily population of young people (u21 years) in young offender institutions remained broadly stable in 2024-25 (+<1% overall). Although impacted by reduced court activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of young people (u21) held in young offender institutions remains far below historic levels.