Vision statement one: Where children are in their families and feel loved, they must stay – and families must be given support together to nurture that love and overcome the difficulties which get in the way.
The rate of children entering care decreases. For those that do need to enter care, a higher proportion are able to stay living at home with parents, or in a family setting.
Number and percentage of children who are living in residential care each year
| Year | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1, 324 | 11.0% |
| 2023 | 1, 285 | 11.0% |
| 2022 | 1, 262 | 10.0% |
| 2021 | 1, 267 | 10.0% |
| 2020 | 1, 436 | 10.0% |
| 2019 | 1, 448 | 10.0% |
Notes
Reporting period: 31 July 2024
Last updated: April 2025
Next Update due: April 2026
Expanded Content
The proportion of “looked after” children living in residential care (which includes both local authority and voluntary homes, residential schools, secure care, crisis care and other residential accommodation) has remained consistent at around 10% since 31 July 2019.Since 31 July 2019, the overall number of children living in residential care has fallen by 9%.