Tuesday 30 September 2014

Number of Children in Care continues to rise

The relentless increase in the number of looked-after children in England is once again apparent from the latest statistics. The upward trend that set in after the death of Baby Peter in 2008 continues unabated.


Year
Number of
Looked-after children
2008
59,360
2009
60,890
2010
64,470
2011
65,500
2012
67,070
2013
68,060
2014
68,840


There are now nearly 10,000 more looked-after children than there were seven years ago. That’s an increase of 16%. 

Government statistics being what they are, the latest bulletin does not provide any account of the corresponding picture of resources. 

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/359277/SFR36_2014_Text.pdf 

My guess is that either the same amount or even less money is going into the system now than was going in pre-2010. But I’d be happy (and a bit relieved) if somebody could prove me wrong. 

I’d be prepared to bet that however much money is currently being spent it won’t be 16% more than was spent in 2008.