The Impact of Covid-19 on Children's Care Journeys in Scotland: An Analysis of the Administrative Data on 'Looked After' Children

This research provides detailed insights into the disruptions experienced within children’s social care throughout the initial 16 months of the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically in terms of entries to and exits from care, and the stability of children’s placements. It was found that the impact was substantial - with large reductions seen in the number of children and young people both entering and leaving care at this time, alongside a decrease in movement for children who remained in care. It is hoped that these insights will prove useful as Scotland seeks to recover from the pandemic and work towards fulfilling the ambitions of The Promise.