Fostering and adoption statistics published
A new report published by the Care Inspectorate providing insight into the operation of fostering and adoption services in Scotland, shows that the quality of care experienced by children accessing fostering and adoption was high, with 97% graded 'good' or better at inspection.
Of the 375 children and young people approved for adoption in 2017, 25% are waiting over a year to be matched with adopters, and 43% of this group are siblings. There were 317 new households approved for adoption across 33 services.
As at 31 December 2017, 5,315 children and young people were in foster care placements, a drop of 2% from 2016, with 224 children in foster care identified as needing a permanent placement. There were 3,823 approved foster carer households in Scotland, down 4% from 2016 and 13% from 2015.
The Care Inspectorate regulates around 13,500 care services in Scotland, including 38 adoption and 60 fostering services. This includes both local authority and independent services.