§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children up to the age of 16 years were under the care of social services departments in the UK on 1 April. [51645]
§ Jacqui SmithThe number of children aged under 16, who were looked after by local councils in England at 31 March 2001, was 49,600.
This figure excludes children looked after under an agreed series of short term placements.
Information for the number of children looked after in Wales and Scotland is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales and the Scottish Parliament.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children up to the age of 16 years have disappeared while living in social services care in each of the last five years. [51644]
§ Jacqui SmithThe available information is shown in the table.
453W
Estimated number of looked after children aged under 16 whose last placement in their care history is recorded as being absent
from agreed placement, by age at start of last placement, for years
ending 31 March 1996 to 2000 England
Year ending 31 March Number 1996 40 1997 65 1998 55
Estimated number of looked after children aged under 16 whose last placement in their care history is recorded as being absent
from agreed placement, by age at start of last placement, for years
ending 31 March 1996 to 2000 England
Year ending 31 March Number 1999 30 2000 90 Notes:
Local councils only recorded children as being missing from their agreed placement after they had been missing for a period in excess of seven days.
All figures rounded to nearest five
Above table excludes children looked after under a series of short term placements
Source:
DH Annual Statistical returns (CLA Episode system)