SCRA’s Official Statistics 2025/2026
Our Official Statistics 2025/2026 have been published today, Thursday 18 June 2026.
The full set of statistics includes:
- Online Statistics 2025/2026
- Statistical Analysis 2025/2026
- Online Statistics by Local Authority Breakdown 2025/2026
- Interactive statistical dashboard
- Data CSV files
All the information is available within the Resources section of our website.
Statistics at a glance in 2025/2026:
- 8,839 children were referred to the Children’s Reporter
- 464 had Child Protection Orders
- 8,754 had Reporter decisions
- 1,696 had Pre-Hearing Panels
- 2,473 had court callings
- 1,912 had Compulsory Supervision Orders made
- 1,942 had Compulsory Supervision Orders terminated
- 289 had appeals concluded or abandoned
- 9,267 had Children’s Hearings
In more detail:
The statistics show that in 2025/2026, 8,839 children in Scotland were referred to the Children’s Reporter. This represents 1.0% of all children in Scotland.
The majority of children (7,094) were referred due to concerns about them (care and protection grounds).
Lack of parental care is the most common ground (reason) assigned by Children’s Reporters when a child is referred to them.
The most common age for children to be referred to the Children’s Reporter was 14 years with 1,340 children referred at this age in 2025/26.
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.
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. Of the 464 children with Child Protection Order referrals received in 2025/26, 109 (23.5%) were aged under 20 days at the date of receipt, 185 (39.9%) were aged under one year and 226 (48.7%) were aged under two years.
In 2025/2026, 2,236 children aged between 12 and 17 years were referred to the Reporter on offence grounds. The most common types of alleged offences were shoplifting, threatening or abusive behaviour and assault.
During the 12 month period, 21,369 Children’s Hearings were held for 9,267 children. The most common reason for a Children’s Hearing is to review a Compulsory Supervision Order.
At 31 March 2026, 6,301 children were subject to a Compulsory Supervision Order. Of the 6,301 children subject to a Compulsory Supervision Order, the majority (87.1%) have only ever been referred on care and protection grounds.
Any questions or feedback?
If you have any questions about the Official Statistics, please contact SCRA’s Data Management Team.
We would also welcome your feedback on our statistics and you can complete a short online survey which is completely anonymous.