SCRA’s Official Statistics 2023/2024

Our Official Statistics 2023/2024 have been published today, Thursday 20 June 2024.

The full set of statistics includes:

• Online Statistics 2023/2024
• Statistical Analysis 2023/2024
• Online Statistics by Local Authority Breakdown 2023/2024
• Interactive statistical dashboard

The statistics show that in 2023/2024, 10,197 children and young people in Scotland were referred to the Children’s Reporter. This represents 1.1% of all children and young people in Scotland.

The majority of children and young people (8,196) were referred due to concerns about them (care and protection grounds).

Lack of parental care is the most common ground (reason) assigned by Reporters when a child or young person is referred to the Reporter.

The most common ages for children and young people to be referred to the Reporter continues to be 14 and 15 years. For very young children (those who were aged under one year) the principal concern identified in the referral related to a lack of parental care or having close connection with a person who has carried out domestic abuse.

The number of children and young people with Child Protection Orders in 2023/2024 was 478. Proportionately, more Child Protection Orders are granted for very young children (especially new-born babies), than any other age, reflecting their high risk and vulnerability and requirement for immediate protection.

Of the 478 children with Child Protection Order referrals received in 2023/2024, 100 (20.9%) were aged under 20 days at the date of receipt, 185 (38.7%) were aged under one year and 220 (46.0%) were aged under two years.

In 2023/2024, 2,701 children aged between 12 and 17 years were referred to the Reporter on offence grounds. The most common types of alleged offences were assault, threatening or abusive behaviour and vandalism.

During the 12 month period, 21,613 Children’s Hearings were held. The most common reason for a Children’s Hearing is to review a Compulsory Supervision Order.

At 31 March 2024, 6,490 children and young people were subject to a Compulsory Supervision Order. Of the 6,490 children and young people subject to a Compulsory Supervision Order, the majority (85.4%) have only ever been referred on care and protection grounds.

The full set of Official Statistics can be found in detail in the Resources section of our website.