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New analysis of Scottish Government Social Work statistics, 2014-15

The most recent official statistics about children and young people who are looked after by (or in receipt of aftercare services from) Scottish local authorities were published by the Scottish Government on 24 March 2015. The data covers the year 1 August 2014 to 31 July 2015.

This briefing presents new analysis as well as summarising Scottish Government's Children's Social Work Statistics Scotland, 2014-15 publication. 

Headline figures are: 

• 15,404 children were looked after, at 31 July 2015; a reduction in the total number for the third year in a row.
• More children continue to be looked after in foster care - 36% of the total population – while 27% were living with friends and family (kinship care), 25% were at home with their parents, and 10% were in some form of residential care.
• 3,599 young people were eligible for aftercare support on 31 July 2015 – and of these care leavers 31% were not receiving aftercare support from their local authority, including over one hundred 15-16 year olds.