Looked-after Children (Hansard, 7 January 2003)

§ Tim Loughton
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many looked after children there were in each of the last five years. [88514]

§ Jacqui Smith
The number of looked after children for each of the last five years is shown in the table.

Number of children looked after at 31 March, 1998–2002—England

Year Number

1998 53,300

1999 55,500

2000 58,100

2001 58,900

2002 59,700

Note:
Table excludes children being looked after under any agreed series of short term placements.

§ Tim Loughton
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many looked after children were convicted of criminal acts in each of the last five years. [88515]
197W

§ Jacqui Smith
Figures identifying the numbers of looked after children who have been looked after for at least a year and have been cautioned or convicted in the year have only been collected since the year 2000. The figures are shown in the table.

Offending by looked after children, 12 months ending 30 September 2000 and 2001: England

Number 2000 2001

Number of children looked after for at least 12 months, aged 10 or older at 30 September 25,700 27,000

of which:

Number cautioned or convicted during the year 2,800 2,800

Number of children looked after at 31 March, 1998–2002—England
Year	Number
1998	53,300
1999	55,500
2000	58,100
2001	58,900
2002	59,700

Offending by looked after children, 12 months ending 30 September 2000 and 2001: England
Number	2000	2001
Number of children looked after for at least 12 months, aged 10 or older at 30 September	25,700	27,000
of which:
Number cautioned or convicted during the year	2,800	2,800