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National statistics

National and sector trend data, 2014 to 2019

Updated 26 January 2021
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England Local Authority Fostering Agencies Independent Fostering Agencies
Topic Sub-topic Data 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19
Children and Young People Information about CYP Number of children/young people in placements (at 31 March) 51,805 51,805 52,005 53,040 54,870 34,120 34,395 34,410 35,145 35,820 17,690 17,410 17,595 17,890 19,050
Not set Information about CYP Number of disabled children/young people (at 31 March) .. 4,855 4,560 4,610 5,180 .. 2,960 2,775 2,830 3,170 .. 1,890 1,785 1,780 2,010
Not set Ethnicity White (at 31 March) 39,940 39,870 39,365 40,475 41,860 26,990 27,080 26,765 27,590 28,005 12,950 12,790 12,600 12,885 13,855
Not set Ethnicity - children Mixed (at 31 March) 4,395 4,520 4,710 5,015 5,165 2,985 3,140 3,155 3,335 3,400 1,410 1,380 1,555 1,680 1,765
Not set Ethnicity - children Asian/Asian British (at 31 March) 2,100 2,320 2,500 2,455 2,480 1,090 1,180 1,250 1,175 1,205 1,010 1,135 1,250 1,275 1,275
Not set Ethnicity - children Black/Black British (at 31 March) 3,720 3,650 3,520 3,490 3,650 2,045 2,055 1,955 1,935 1,985 1,675 1,595 1,570 1,555 1,665
Not set Ethnicity - children Other ethnic groups (at 31 March) 985 1,120 1,195 1,240 1,270 625 700 710 800 845 360 415 485 440 420
Not set Ethnicity - children Not known (at 31 March) 605 330 715 370 445 320 235 580 310 380 285 95 135 60 65
Not set Child sexual exploitation Number of CYP considered to be at risk of CSE 2,690 .. 3,180 3,090 2,765 1,560 .. 1,830 1,970 1,745 1,125 .. 1,350 1,120 1,020
Not set Going missing Number of children/young people who went ‘missing’ while living with foster carers 5,055 .. 6,925 6,835 6,395 2,295 .. 3,995 4,000 3,835 2,760 .. 2,930 2,835 2,560
Not set Going missing Number of instances children/young people went ‘missing’ while living with foster carers 17,175 .. 30,380 30,615 27,085 7,710 .. 19,405 20,275 18,410 9,465 .. 10,980 10,340 8,675
Not set Total time missing Less than 24 hours 2,515 .. 3,115 3,125 3,105 940 .. 1,680 1,740 1,695 1,570 .. 1,435 1,390 1,410
Not set Total time missing One to six days 1,845 .. 2,345 2,285 2,100 965 .. 1,415 1,360 1,390 880 .. 930 920 715
Not set Total time missing One week to 28 days 545 .. 930 955 760 285 .. 595 635 535 260 .. 335 320 225
Not set Total time missing Longer than 28 days 155 .. 535 470 430 105 .. 300 265 220 50 .. 235 205 210
Not set Primary reasons for going missing Bullying 35 .. 40 35 40 25 .. 30 25 30 10 .. 10 10 10
Not set Not set Involvement in offending behaviour 495 .. 145 120 115 210 .. 70 70 75 285 .. 75 50 40
Not set Reasons for going missing Substance misuse 495 .. 125 140 110 240 .. 70 100 80 255 .. 50 40 30
Not set Reasons for going missing Contact with family or friends 8,480 .. 3,615 3,595 3,285 3,375 .. 1,885 1,745 1,610 5,105 .. 1,730 1,845 1,680
Not set Reasons for going missing Alleged abuse within the foster home 70 .. 15 20 20 55 .. 10 10 15 15 .. 5 10 5
Not set Reasons for going missing Because they are an asylum seeker 215 .. 135 100 75 100 .. 80 50 30 110 .. 60 50 45
Not set Reasons for going missing Suspected sexual exploitation 1,250 .. 340 265 220 575 .. 200 150 120 675 .. 145 115 100
Not set Reasons for going missing Any other known reason 1,805 .. 1,365 1,365 1,210 870 .. 875 965 795 935 .. 490 400 415
Not set Reasons for going missing Reason unknown 4,240 .. 1,140 1,200 1,325 2,200 .. 775 880 1,090 2,040 .. 370 320 235
Not set Return home interviews Number of return home interviews conducted .. .. 11,540 12,800 11,995 .. .. 8,545 10,090 9,330 .. .. 2,995 2,710 2,665
Not set Return home interviews Number of missing children/young people with no return home interview .. .. 3,130 2,965 2,460 .. .. 1,380 1,270 1,075 .. .. 1,750 1,695 1,385
Not set Unplanned endings Number of children experiencing unplanned endings .. .. 7,145 6,240 5,815 .. .. 4,210 3,570 3,305 .. .. 2,935 2,670 2,510
Not set Unplanned endings Number of children experiencing placement moves within 24 hours of unplanned ending notification .. .. 1,595 1,565 1,775 .. .. 910 845 830 .. .. 685 720 945
Not set Children who left agency Transferred to LA fostering placement .. .. 2,770 2,930 2,965 .. .. 120 75 135 .. .. 2,650 2,855 2,830
Not set Children who left agency * Transferred to IFA fostering placement .. .. 2,890 3,350 3,680 .. .. 1,870 2,320 2,220 .. .. 1,020 1,030 1,460
Not set Children who left agency * Transferred to other type of looked after placement (e.g. children's home, adoption) .. .. 6,905 6,895 6,615 .. .. 5,185 5,315 5,155 .. .. 1,720 1,585 1,455
Not set Children who left agency * No longer looked after .. .. 12,410 10,935 11,660 .. .. 9,200 7,855 8,495 .. .. 3,210 3,080 3,165
Not set Children who left agency * Staying put .. .. 1,570 1,695 1,880 .. .. 955 1,065 1,100 .. .. 610 635 785
Not set Children who left agency * Not staying put .. .. 1,865 1,735 1,885 .. .. 870 770 860 .. .. 995 965 1,025
Not set Children who left agency * Reason unknown .. .. 1,865 1,810 835 .. .. 660 745 180 .. .. 1,205 1,065 655
Placements Staying Put Number of young people in foster care who became 18 3,435 4,025 3,430 3,435 3,770 2,240 2,840 1,825 1,835 1,960 1,200 1,185 1,605 1,600 1,810
Not set Staying Put Number of young people in foster care who became 18 and remained living with their former foster carer 1,790 2,190 1,570 1,695 1,880 1,255 1,595 955 1,065 1,100 535 595 610 635 785
Not set Brothers and Sisters ? Groups assessed 5,045 5,390 4,905 4,965 4,495 5,045 5,390 4,905 4,965 4,495 .. .. .. .. ..
Not set Brothers and Sisters ? Siblings assessed 12,250 13,610 12,465 12,950 11,230 12,250 13,610 12,465 12,950 11,230 .. .. .. .. ..
Not set Brothers and Sisters ? Groups placed to plan 4,625 4,935 4,250 4,275 4,045 4,625 4,935 4,250 4,275 4,045 .. .. .. .. ..
Not set Brothers and Sisters ? Siblings placed to plan 10,960 12,130 10,290 10,800 9,890 10,960 12,130 10,290 10,800 9,890 .. .. .. .. ..
Not set Brothers and Sisters ? Groups NOT placed to plan 420 455 655 690 450 420 455 655 690 450 .. .. .. .. ..
Not set Brothers and Sisters ? Siblings NOT placed to plan 1,290 1,480 1,960 2,150 1,340 1,290 1,480 1,960 2,150 1,340 .. .. .. .. ..
Foster carers (at 31 March) Number of carers Total approved carers 73,845 74,635 74,135 73,530 75,260 47,990 49,685 50,025 48,050 49,150 25,855 24,950 24,110 25,480 30,605
Not set Ethnicity - carers White 61,945 63,095 62,045 61,430 62,485 41,025 42,755 42,810 41,300 41,995 20,920 20,340 19,235 20,130 20,490
Not set Ethnicity - carers Mixed 990 875 880 905 935 620 525 540 540 590 370 355 340 365 345
Not set Ethnicity - carers Asian/Asian British 3,210 3,405 3,410 3,675 3,895 1,525 1,690 1,590 1,650 1,695 1,685 1,710 1,820 2,020 2,200
Not set Ethnicity - carers Black/Black British 5,425 5,825 5,935 5,540 5,610 2,890 3,460 3,490 2,940 3,020 2,535 2,370 2,445 2,600 2,590
Not set Ethnicity - carers Other ethnic groups 425 530 560 565 655 250 350 350 335 375 175 180 210 235 280
Not set Ethnicity - carers Not known 1,220 935 1,310 1,415 1,680 1,045 930 1,250 1,280 1,475 175 5 60 135 205
Not set Training and development * Number of individual foster carers who had completed the TSD Standards .. 52,115 52,055 52,255 53,365 .. 32,755 32,960 31,890 32,390 .. 19,360 19,095 20,365 20,980
Not set Not set Number of individual foster carers who were awaiting sign-off on the TSD Standards .. 1,465 1,255 1,105 945 .. 1,040 845 835 725 .. 425 410 275 225
Not set Not set Number of individual foster carers who were in progress completing the TSD Standards .. 10,235 10,100 10,020 10,635 .. 6,890 6,950 7,055 7,220 .. 3,345 3,150 2,965 3,415
Not set Training and Development Number of individual foster carers who had not yet commenced the TSD Standards .. 7,100 7,315 7,230 7,655 .. 5,710 6,050 5,805 6,285 .. 1,390 1,265 1,420 1,375
Not set Training and Development Number of individual foster carers with TSD Standards training status unknown .. 3,180 3,410 2,915 2,655 .. 2,955 3,220 2,455 2,540 .. 225 190 460 115
Fostering households Number of households (at 31 March) Total approved households 44,625 44,280 43,935 43,475 44,450 29,490 29,870 29,960 28,710 29,325 15,130 14,410 13,975 14,765 15,125
Not set Primary placement offer (at 31 March) Permanent foster care .. 15,090 14,890 13,595 15,425 .. 8,350 7,960 7,165 7,855 .. 6,740 6,930 6,430 7,570
Not set Primary placement offer (at 31 March) Non-permanent foster care .. 19,070 18,135 19,195 18,230 .. 12,870 12,755 12,615 12,065 .. 6,205 5,380 6,580 6,165
Not set Primary placement offer (at 31 March) Emergency .. 190 190 385 245 .. 85 80 80 85 .. 105 110 305 160
Not set Primary placement offer (at 31 March) Family and Friends .. 5,855 6,420 6,100 6,930 .. 5,835 6,420 6,100 6,930 .. 20 0 0 0
Not set Primary placement offer (at 31 March) Parent and child .. 235 355 355 355 .. 100 150 145 160 .. 135 205 215 195
Not set Primary placement offer (at 31 March) Multi-dimensional treatment .. 555 665 650 600 .. 140 140 125 100 .. 415 525 525 500
Not set Primary placement offer (at 31 March) Remand .. 30 25 25 20 .. 20 10 10 10 .. 10 15 15 5
Not set Primary placement offer (at 31 March) Other .. 590 375 325 235 .. 350 225 155 100 .. 240 150 175 135
Not set Primary placement offer (at 31 March) Fostering to adopt .. 195 290 365 335 .. 185 280 315 290 .. 5 15 50 40
Not set Primary placement offer (at 31 March) Short breaks .. 2,095 1,605 1,480 1,415 .. 1,870 1,295 1,140 1,110 .. 225 310 340 305
Not set Primary placement offer (at 31 March) Shared care .. Not set 650 680 640 .. Not set 620 620 590 .. Not set 35 60 50
Not set Primary placement offer (at 31 March) Not known .. 325 330 125 25 .. 30 30 90 20 .. 295 305 35 5
Not set Exemptions (in year) Number of households with exemptions to the usual fostering limit in place at any time during the year 1,070 1,125 1,325 1,480 1,785 830 870 1,080 1,125 1,350 240 255 295 355 435
Not set Capacity (at 31 March) Number of households approved for one CYP 12,040 15,345 15,425 14,340 14,535 8,405 12,230 12,515 11,500 11,675 3,635 3,115 2,910 2,835 2,860
Not set Capacity Number of households approved for two CYP 14,455 16,575 16,030 15,540 15,470 8,575 10,940 10,770 10,235 10,265 5,880 5,635 5,260 5,305 5,205
Not set Capacity Number of households approved for three CYP 9,985 11,805 11,670 12,845 13,075 4,860 6,330 6,110 6,415 6,325 5,130 5,475 5,560 6,430 6,750
Not set Capacity Number of households approved for four or more CYP 380 540 810 755 870 210 370 565 560 570 170 170 245 195 300
Places Fostering places (at 31 March) ° Number of approved foster places 80,660 86,195 85,935 87,120 88,370 49,080 54,680 54,805 53,575 53,595 31,585 31,515 31,130 33,540 34,775
Not set Fostering Places Number of filled places 51,805 51,585 51,605 53,205 54,870 34,120 34,370 34,880 35,315 35,820 17,690 17,210 16,725 17,890 19,050
Not set Fostering Places Number of vacant places 15,130 21,160 17,980 17,150 16,080 7,700 12,655 10,340 9,550 9,090 7,430 8,510 7,640 7,600 6,990
Not set Fostering Places Number of places not available 13,730 13,865 15,370 15,645 15,845 7,260 7,945 8,845 8,040 7,800 6,465 5,920 6,525 7,605 8,045
Recruitment and Retention Initial enquiries Number of initial enquiries from new prospective fostering households 103,355 101,795 114,425 117,335 127,850 38,725 36,150 35,840 34,650 35,960 64,630 65,645 78,585 82,685 91,890
Not set Applications received in-year ** Total number of applications received from prospective fostering households between 1 April and 31 March 12,750 8,585 9,345 10,540 9,740 5,870 4,525 4,940 4,710 4,390 6,880 4,060 4,405 5,830 5,350
Not set Not set Number of applications approved .. 2,290 2,540 2,440 2,415 .. 1,150 1,280 985 1,020 .. 1,140 1,260 1,455 1,395
Not set Outcome of applications Number of applications withdrawn by applicants+ .. 2,085 2,090 2,225 2,470 .. 1,025 1,030 995 1,050 .. 1,060 1,065 1,230 1,420
Not set Outcome of applications Number of applications withdrawn by services+ .. 755 1,335 2,100 1,290 .. 330 730 625 470 .. 425 605 1,475 820
Not set Outcome of applications Number of applications rejected after being presented to panel .. 115 125 155 60 .. 70 120 125 40 .. 40 10 30 20
Not set Outcome of applications Number of applications which remained in progress on 31 March .. 3,100 3,250 3,615 3,500 .. 1,770 1,785 1,975 1,810 .. 1,335 1,465 1,640 1,695
Not set Newly approved households Total number of households approved in year *** 7,955 7,270 7,875 7,790 8,400 5,220 5,035 5,515 5,145 5,680 2,735 2,235 2,355 2,645 2,720
Not set Newly approved households Of which, number of family and friends households approved in year ~ 2,335 2,495 3,085 2,870 3,290 2,305 2,490 3,085 2,870 3,290 35 0 0 0 0
Not set Deregistrations ? Deregistered to facilitate a transfer to a local authority .. .. 270 220 240 .. .. 20 15 30 .. .. 250 205 210
Not set Deregistrations Deregistered to facilitate a transfer to an independent fostering agency .. .. 410 365 360 .. .. 55 70 70 .. .. 350 295 290
Not set Deregistrations Deregistration initiated by the fostering service .. .. 2,555 2,375 2,910 .. .. 2,385 2,195 2,750 .. .. 165 180 160
Not set Deregistrations Deregistration initiated by the foster carer .. .. 4,980 5,640 5,365 .. .. 3,550 4,165 3,900 .. .. 1,430 1,470 1,465
Not set Deregistrations Deregistration for unknown reason .. .. 180 140 55 .. .. 105 125 35 .. .. 75 20 20
Not set Deregistrations Total households deregistered between 1 April and 31 March" .. .. 8,390 8,740 8,925 .. .. 6,120 6,575 6,780 .. .. 2,270 2,165 2,145
Not set Referrals to the IRM ^ Number of applications for a review to the IRM 110 80 115 110 125 70 50 75 80 60 40 30 40 30 65
Not set Referrals to the IRM Number of which resulted in a recommendation being made to review the decision 35 30 30 35 50 30 15 20 25 20 10 10 10 10 30
Allegations of abuse & Complaints Number of allegations of abuse Number of allegations against foster carers by fostered children 1,640 1,550 1,665 1,595 1,745 890 860 900 855 945 750 690 760 740 800
Not set Number of allegations Number of allegations against foster carers by other sources 785 900 860 845 960 560 665 605 580 640 225 235 255 265 320
Not set Number of allegations Total number of allegations made 2,420 2,450 2,525 2,445 2,705 1,445 1,525 1,505 1,435 1,585 975 925 1,015 1,005 1,120
Not set Number of allegations Number of children made allegations against foster carers 1,635 1,595 1,680 1,565 1,730 930 900 945 860 945 705 695 735 700 780
Not set Number of allegations Number of foster carers subject to allegations 2,275 2,300 2,430 2,340 2,650 1,395 1,460 1,505 1,410 1,575 880 840 925 925 1,075
Not set Category of alleged abuse Physical abuse 1,405 1,440 1,430 1,410 1,570 765 870 805 770 890 640 565 625 640 680
Not set Category of alleged abuse Sexual abuse 200 195 210 185 175 125 145 130 125 120 75 50 80 60 55
Not set Category of alleged abuse Neglect 365 390 440 380 430 240 240 300 250 280 125 150 140 130 150
Not set Category of alleged abuse Emotional abuse 450 430 440 470 530 315 270 265 295 295 135 155 175 175 235
Not set Outcome of investigation Concerns resolved, no further action 1,440 1,375 1,445 1,380 1,535 790 775 815 715 880 650 595 630 665 655
Not set Outcome of investigation Continued monitoring for agreed period 405 475 390 430 450 300 340 265 285 295 105 135 125 145 155
Not set Outcome of investigation Concern remained, refer to fostering panel for review 570 580 670 630 705 350 390 415 435 400 220 190 255 195 305
Not set Timescale for investigation Less than 21 working days 1,335 1,250 1,255 1,170 1,385 735 705 700 615 765 600 545 555 555 620
Not set Timescale for investigation 22-30 working days (4-6 weeks) 395 385 400 370 360 245 245 220 220 210 145 135 180 155 150
Not set Timescale for investigation 31-50 working days (6-10 weeks) 265 295 280 360 335 180 190 175 225 200 85 105 100 130 135
Not set Timescale for investigation More than 50 working days (more than 10 weeks) 430 495 565 530 615 285 365 385 365 405 145 135 180 170 210
Not set Referrals Number of referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 150 75 95 90 90 100 35 40 35 40 50 40 55 55 50
Not set Referrals Number of referrals to the local authority child protection team 1,260 1,460 1,515 1,225 1,395 635 825 800 605 585 625 635 715 620 810
Not set Referrals Number of Section 47 enquiries 875 830 870 700 745 505 520 525 420 410 370 315 345 280 335
Not set Physical restraint Number of recorded incidents of physical restraint by foster carers 1,025 1,040 1,280 1,205 1,135 215 215 310 225 250 810 825 965 980 885
Not set Physical Restraint Number of CYP subject to restraint 570 580 650 630 645 155 135 175 140 140 415 445 475 490 505
Not set Physical Restraint Number of households that restrained CYP 590 600 570 615 540 155 145 170 185 125 435 450 400 430 125
Not set Complaints CYP (complaints made) 290 335 305 330 290 120 130 140 165 100 170 205 170 165 190
Not set Complaints CYP (complaints not upheld) 135 185 160 155 130 55 65 60 80 35 85 120 100 80 90
Not set Complaints Foster carers (complaints made) 545 460 465 415 445 410 310 340 295 300 135 150 125 120 145
Not set Complaints Foster carers (complaints not upheld) 255 210 200 180 185 190 150 155 120 100 65 60 50 55 80
Not set Complaints CYP's social workers (complaints made) 185 170 155 160 140 35 55 40 35 20 150 110 115 120 120
Not set Complaints CYP's social workers (complaints not upheld) 70 55 70 80 70 15 20 15 20 5 60 35 55 60 60
Not set Complaints Other professionals (complaints made) 140 135 135 125 160 55 70 65 55 65 85 65 70 65 95
Not set Complaints Other professionals (complaints not upheld) 65 50 55 45 70 30 30 20 20 30 35 20 35 25 40
Not set Complaints CYP's parents (complaints made) 200 185 285 260 190 140 125 235 195 140 60 60 50 65 55
Not set Complaints CYP's parents (complaints not upheld) 115 110 175 130 90 80 75 140 100 65 35 35 35 30 20
Not set Complaints Others (complaints made) 190 185 185 215 215 105 105 125 165 145 80 80 55 50 70
Not set Complaints Others (complaints not upheld) 100 100 105 105 95 60 65 70 85 55 45 35 35 20 35
Not set Complaints Total complaints (complaints made) 1,550 1,470 1,530 1,500 1,435 865 800 945 915 770 685 670 585 590 670
Not set Complaints Total complaints (complaints not upheld) 740 710 765 695 630 425 400 460 425 300 315 305 310 275 335
Not set + Number of applications withdrawn was collected as an aggregated figure in 2012-13, before being split into withdrawn by applicant and withdrawn by service from 2013-14 onwards. Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set
Not set " This data was previously collected and presented for mainstream households only. We are no longer able to split the data on deregistrations by household type. Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set
Not set ° A number of households had exemptions in place which allowed them to accommodate more children than they were approved for. As a result a slightly larger number of places were reported as filled, vacant or unavailable than the number of approved places. Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set
Not set ? A small number of IFAs submitted data on brothers and sisters when they should not have done so. We have therefore discounted this data from these tables Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set
Not set ~ In 2014-15 and 2015-16, data was collected on family and friends households and on 'connected person' households separately. From 2016-17 onwards, data on both household types was collected together as family and friends. Households approved in year have been classified as family and friends households if their primary placement offer is reported as family and friends. Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set
Not set ? Deregistered shared care households have been excluded where the household type at deregistration has been supplied. Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set
Not set * Data on TSD standards has previously been presented by household type. In 2018-19, this data is presented for all carers, by status of their TSD standards. This reflects the way in which the data is collected. Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set
Not set ^ One agency reported an unusually high number of IRM referrals in 2018 to 2019. This data has been excluded from the national figure. Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set
Not set ** Recruitment outcomes data relates to those applications received in-year only. Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set
Not set *** ‘Total number of households approved in year’ measures all new households that were approved during the collection period 1 April 2018 – 31 March 2019 and who were still ‘active’ (i.e. not deregistered) at the end of the year (31 March 2019). Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set Not set