HC Deb 11 May 2004 vol 421 c300W
Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many(a) boys and (b) girls are looked after by local authorities (i) in total, (ii) in foster care and (iii) in children's homes. [169040]

Margaret Hodge

The information requested is provided in the table as follows.

Number of children looked after in total, in foster placements and

in children's homes at 31 March 2003, by gender
Number of Children Looked After

at 31 March 20031

 Boys Girls Total
England 33,600 27,200 60,800
Foster Placements 22,000 19,100 41,100
Children's Homes2 4,300 2,400 6,600
Other Placements3 7,300 5,800 13,100
1 Figures exclude children looked after under an agreed series of short term placements
2 Children's homes include secure units, homes and hostels but excludes residential schools.
3 Includes children who are placed for adoption, with parents and in residential schools. Also includes those living independently or in residential employment and other accommodation.

Source:

Children Looked After by Local Authorities, Year Ending 31 March 2003