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There are just over 70,000 children and young people looked after on any given day in the UK, almost 50,000 (62.5 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. The statistics below are the latest available from the relevant government departments in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. They 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

  • 60,300 children looked after on 31 March 2006.
  • Two-thirds of these children (42,000 or 70 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 Children looked after by local authorities (including adoption and care leavers) report on the Department for Education and Skills 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 1,340 foster carers 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.

Scotland

  • 5,369 children looked after away from home on 31 March 2006.
  • Over two-thirds of these children (3,731 or 69 per cent) were living with foster families.
  • There are 2,653 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 2005-06 report on the website of the Scottish Executive.

Wales

  • 4,529 children looked after on 31 March 2006.
  • Over two-thirds of these children (3,353 or 74 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 Children Looked After Publication 2005-2006 report on the Welsh Assembly website.