The Department for Education has revealed the number of children looked after (CLA), in England up to March 2022, including adoptions, care leavers, and CLA who were missing.
The data, which is collected from local authorities, has revealed that the number of CLA in England rose to 82,170, up 2% on last year and continues on the rising pattern seen in recent years.
Both starts and ceasing were up on last year, with last year’s figures were likely impacted by the pandemic.
The number of CLA who were adopted was up 2%, however, this is a modest increase given the decrease of 18% last year due to the pandemic where court cases progressed more slowly or were paused.
The number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) is above pre-pandemic levels – after a 20% decrease last year, the numbers of UASC are up by 34%.
