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Publication of ‘Children Order Statistical Tables for Northern Ireland 2010/11’ and ‘Children Order Statistical Trends for Northern Ireland 2005/06 to 2010/11

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has today published both ‘Children Order Statistical Tables for Northern Ireland 2010/11’ and ‘Children Order Statistical Trends for Northern Ireland 2005/06 to 2010/11’
~ Friday, 20 January 2012

This is the eighth reporting of annual and five year trend statistics relating to children’s social care activity in Northern Ireland.

Key Facts and Figures:

Children Order Statistical Tables for Northern Ireland 2010/11

Child Protection

  • At 31 March 2011, there were 2,401 children on child protection registers in Northern Ireland, a rise of 2% (44) from 2010 (2,357);
  • Of the 2,401 children on the register:

50% were boys and 50% were girls;

8% were aged under 1 year old, and 6% were aged 16 or older;

47% were assessed to be at risk of neglect;

  • During 2010/11, there were 4,804 child protection referrals, 43% (2,073) from within social services;

Looked After Children

  • At 31 March 2011, there were 2,511 looked after children in Northern Ireland, down by 4% (95) from 2010 (2,606);
  • Of the 2,511 looked after children:

52% were boys and 48% were girls;

21% were aged 0 - 4 years old, and 15% were aged 16 years or older;

74% were foster care placements, 10% were family placements, 10% were residential care and 6% were in ‘Other’ placement types;

25% had been in care for less than 1 year; with 10% in care for 10 years or longer;

  • During 2010/11, there were 829 admissions into care, 837 discharges from care, and 773 respite placements;

Children in Need

  • During 2010/11, there were 34,447 referrals to children’s social services, relating to 26,725 children, of which 26,380 had been assessed at 31 March 2011;
  • Compared to 2009/10, referrals increased by 9% (2,754) from 31,693 to 34,447, and children referred rose by 12% (2,799) during the same period;
  • By the year ending 31 March 2011, 80% of children referred to social services had been allocated for further action (service or assessment);

Children Order Statistical Trends for Northern Ireland 2005/06 to 2010/11

Child Protection

  • Between 2006 and 2011, the numbers of children on the Child Protection Register increased by 46% (762), from 1,639 to 2,401, respectively;
  • Registrations increased by 82% (957), from 1,166 in 2005/06 to 2,123 in 2010/11;
  • De-Registrations increased by 91% (982) from 1,085 in 2006 to 2,067 in 2011;

Looked After Children

  • At 31 March 2011, there were 2,511 looked after children, down by 4% (95) from 2010, but up by 3% (75) since 2006;
  • In recent years, the proportion of looked after children in care for three years or more, fell from 55% in 2007 to 46% in 2011;
  • The number of children in foster care has increased by 10% (175), from 1,687 in 2009/10 to 1,862 in 2010/11; this compares with a 47% (225) fall in children in placed with family during the same period;

Children in Need

  • During 2010/11, 34,447 referrals were made to children’s services in Northern Ireland, having increased by 9% (2,754) and 18% (5,289) from 2009/10 and 2005/06, respectively;
  • 26,725 children were referred during 2010/11, an increase of 38% (7,334) since 2005/06 and 12% (2,799) since 2009/10.

Notes to editors:

1. This information was collated by Community Information Branch within the DHSSPS.

2. Statistics detailed within these bulletins relate to child protection, children in care (looked after children), children in need and day care provision for children aged under twelve. Figures report activity counts at 31 March 2011, for the year ending 31 March 2011, and five year trends covering the period from 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2011.

3. Similar statistics for 2011/12 and 2006/07 to 2011/12 are due for publication on 30 November 2012.

4. These publications are available on the department’s website at: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-cib-3/statistics_and_research-cib-pub/children_statistics/stats-cib-children_order.ht

5. Further information is available from:
Community Information Branch
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Room 11, Annexe 2,
Castle Buildings,
Stormont Belfast BT4 3SP
Tel: (028) 9052 0599
Fax: (028) 9052 3288
E-mail: cib@dhsspsni.gov.uk
Internet: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk

6. Media enquiries about this press release to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.