Data on deaths of children in care is lacking

A lack of data on deaths of children in care has put Scotland in the “heartbreaking position” of not knowing why the number has risen and then fallen, a new report has said.

Deaths of “looked after” children, as well as those receiving continuing care and young adults receiving through care and after care, increased in 2019 and 2020, but then fell back last year, it said.

But the report, which examined progress made towards meeting “the promise” – a commitment to improve the lives of those in care – stated: “The cause behind the change is unknown, because this is data on a group of people for whom no additional information is collected.”

Overall, there were 17 deaths of children in care, seven involving youngsters in continuing care and 35 involving those in through care and after care over the period 2019, 2020 and the first nine months of 2021, the report detailed.

It added: “The avoidable death of a child or young person for whom Scotland has had responsibility is an unmitigated tragedy.

“The fact the data lacks information on the lives and experiences of careexperienced young adults compounds what is already a heart-breaking position.

“Failure to understand not only makes it hard to monitor, but also fails to provide the chance to learn and make sure it stops.”

The criticism was in a report which warned that while progress was being made towards meeting the promise – described as a “10-year transformational change programme” – overall more needs to be done if this is to be fulfilled by the target date of 2030.

Fiona Duncan, of the oversight body set up to monitor efforts, was clear that “we need greater urgency across Scotland to deliver the change needed”.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “In March, we set out over 80 actions that the Scottish Government will take to Keep The Promise and deliver change by 2030.

“Alongside The Promise Scotland, the care community, local government and others, we continue to build on work that is already under way.”