More than 14,000 children are looked after by local authorities in Scotland, according to statistics published today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician.
The ‘Children Looked After Statistics 2006-07’ statistics focus on the number of children who were looked after by or eligible for aftercare support from local authorities between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2007.
According to the report, the numbers increased by eight per cent since 2006, and by 29 per cent since 2001. It also reveals that 43 per cent of children were placed at home with parents, 15 per cent were placed with friends or relatives, 29 per cent were placed with foster carers and 12 per cent were in residential accommodation. There were also over 2,000 children who were in a series of short term placements, with almost half of these placements being in residential establishments.
As of 31 March 2007, there were an estimated 3,400 young people reported to be eligible for aftercare services, while 38 per cent of those with known economic activity were in education, employment or training.
Of the young people who left care during 2006-07 beyond minimum school leaving age, 52 per cent had at least one qualification at SCQF level 3 or above, an increase of one percentage point since 2005-06, and 34 per cent had both English and Maths SCQF level 3 or above, no difference from 2005-06.
In response to the statistics, Minister for Children and Early Years Adam Ingram called the statistics “disappointing”, adding that too many looked after children are being let down by the system and are not reaching their full potential. He said: “There's nothing inevitable about young people who are looked after coming behind their peers in terms of qualifications and the statistics out today are disappointing.
"People and their potential lie at the heart of our vision for Scotland and children in care deserve every opportunity to play a full role. That's why we recently announced £2.5 million to help councils support children in their care.
"The number of vulnerable young people under the care of local authorities is increasing, showing we are identifying those in need and getting them support and security. But I want to see an improvement in attainment and opportunities because the status quo is simply not good enough.
"We've made our commitment clear by driving forward with the We Can and Must Do Better strategy and must work together with councils to improve the outlook for these young people."
The full statistical publication can be accessed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00626
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