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There are just over 72,000 children and young people looked after on any given day in the UK, over 51,000 (70 per cent) of whom live with 43,000 foster families.

The Fostering Network estimates that a further 10,000 foster carers are needed across the UK.

Statistics by nation

The statistics below provide a picture of the care system on just one day of the year. Many more children and young people move in and out of public care over the course of 12 months.

England

  • 60,000 children looked after on 31 March 2007.
  • Over two-thirds of these children (42,300 or 71 per cent) were living with foster families.
  • There are approximately 37,000 foster families in England.
  • The Fostering Network estimates there is a shortage of at least 8,200 foster families.

For more details see the report on the Department for Children, Schools and Families website.

Northern Ireland

  • 2,436 children looked after on 31 March 2006.
  • Over half of these children (1,409 or 58 per cent) were living with foster carers.
  • There are approximately 1,346 foster families in Northern Ireland.
  • The Fostering Network estimates there is a shortage of at least 350 foster carers.

For more details see Community Statistics 2005-2006 report on the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety website. Full statistics for 2007 are not yet available.

Scotland

  • 5,716 children looked after away from home on 31 March 2007.
  • Over two-thirds of these children (4,055 or 71 per cent) were living with foster families.
  • There are approximately 3,200 foster families in Scotland.
  • The Fostering Network estimates there is a shortage of at least 1,700 foster families.

For more details see the Looked after children 2006-07 statistics on the website of the Scottish Executive.

Wales

  • 4,640 children looked after on 31 March 2007.
  • Three quarters of these children (3,465 or 75 per cent) were living with foster carers.
  • There are approximately 1,900 foster carers in Wales.
  • The Fostering Network estimates there is a shortage of at least 750 foster carers.

For more details see Personal Social Services Statistics 2006-07 for Wales report on the Welsh Assembly website.

Comparisons over five years