SCRA’s Official Statistics 2024/2025
Our Official Statistics 2024/2025 have been published today, Thursday 19 June 2025.
The full set of statistics includes:
- Online Statistics 2024/2025
- Statistical Analysis 2024/2025
- Online Statistics by Local Authority Breakdown 2024/2025
- Interactive statistical dashboard
- Data CSV file
The statistics show that in 2024/2025, 9,789 children and young people in Scotland were referred to the Children’s Reporter. This represents 1.1% of all children and young people in Scotland.
The majority of children and young people (7,839) were referred due to concerns about them (care and protection grounds).
SCRA’s Official Statistics 2024/2025
Lack of parental care is the most common ground (reason) assigned by Reporters when a child or young person is referred to the Reporter.
The most common age for children and young people to be referred to the Reporter was 14 years with 1,443 children referred at this age in 2024/25.
For very young children (those who were aged under one year) the principal concern identified in the referral related to a lack of parental care or having close connection with a person who has carried out domestic abuse.
The number of children and young people with Child Protection Orders in 2024/2025 was 503. Proportionately, more Child Protection Orders are granted for very young children (especially new-born babies), than any other age, reflecting their high risk and vulnerability and requirement for immediate protection. In 2024/2025, 24.3% of children with Child Protection Orders were aged under 20 days.
In 2024/2025, 2,447 children aged between 12 and 17 years were referred to the Reporter on offence grounds. The most common types of alleged offences were assault, threatening or abusive behaviour and shoplifting.
During the 12 month period, 21,313 Children’s Hearings were held. The most common reason for a Children’s Hearing is to review a Compulsory Supervision Order.
At 31 March 2025, 6,355 children and young people were subject to a Compulsory Supervision Order. Of the 6,355 children and young people subject to a Compulsory Supervision Order, the majority (85%) have only ever been referred on care and protection grounds.
The full set of Official Statistics can be found in detail in the Resources section of our website.