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Number of children in the care system remains far too high
New data released today by the Department for Education shows that the number of children in the care system in England remains extremely high, at 81,770. A small drop on last year (2%).
The figures for the year ending 31st March 2025 show:
- 67 per 10,000 children are looked after in England, compared to 69 per 10,000 children in 2024.
- The total number of children entering the care system in the year was 32,270, 2.63% lower than 2024. The number of children leaving the care system in the year was 34,450, 1.96% higher than 2024.
- Almost half (44%) of children in the care system are living out of area, separated from their family, friends and support networks.
- Children in the North East are more likely to be in the care system than any other region. 111 children in every 10,000. Followed by North West, 90 children per 10,000, and the West Midlands, 86 children per 10,000.
- Children aged 16 years and over now account for over a quarter (27%) of all children in the care system.
- Just 16% of children (13,360) in the care system in England are being raised by relatives and friends in kinship foster care.
- The number of unaccompanied children fell by 12% to 6,540, compared to 2024.
“The numbers are heading in the right direction but change is still not coming fast enough for children and families.”
Cathy Ashley, Chief Executive of Family Rights Group, said:
“The number of children in the care system has fallen slightly but remains 18% higher than a decade ago. In other words, there are more than 12,000 children and young people in the care system than 10 years ago, with outcomes remaining far too poor for many.
“The system is overwhelmed, leaving too many children isolated and living far from family and friends. Not only does this cost the government billions of pounds, but the cost to children and families is incalculable.
“Recent child protection numbers also showed more families are being subject to the stress and anxiety of child protection investigations without it concluding that a child is at risk of significant harm.
“It doesn’t have to be this way, and we have the evidence to prove it.
“We can ensure families get help earlier before difficulties escalate to a crisis. We can put relationships at the heart of the care system – keeping children with family networks where possible and ensuring that those who do go into care have lasting, loving relationships.
“As the Government implements a new landmark family group decision making duty – every local authority should be offering a family group conference to families at the earliest stages. Bringing family and friends together to make a safe plan for a child.
“Family support is essential to prevent children from entering care initially or to support children to return home.
“And for children in the care system and care leavers, every young person should be offered Lifelong Links so they have people to turn to who love and care about them.”
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