§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children were taken into long-term public care in each year from 1990 to 1998; and how many adoptions from the care system were effected in each of those years. [78322]
§ Mr. HuttonInformation for the years 1990 to 1998 is given in the table.
Numbers of children starting to be looked after (most of whom will have returned home during the year in question) and children adopted from care, years ending 31. March 1990 to 19981 England: Year ending 31 March Number of children starting to be looked after Number of children looked after and adopted during the year 19902 30,100 2,500 19912 29,300 2,400 19923 not available not available 1993 29.000 2,500 1994 31,100 2,300 1995 32,500 2,000 1996 32,100 1,900 1997 31,400 1,900 19984 31,700 not available 1Figures for children looked after in this table exclude agreed series of short term placements but do not otherwise distinguish between children who will remain in care for relatively shorter and longer periods. 2Data refer to children admitted to care under previous legislation. 3Figures not available due to the implementation of the Children Act during this year. 4Figures for number of children adopted during 1997–98 not available.