Information is collected annually relating to age, gender, placement, duration of period in care, legal status, admissions, discharges and respite care.

At 31 March 2007 there were 2,356 looked after children in Northern Ireland, a rate of 55 children per 10,000 population aged under 18.

During 2006/07 there were 833 admissions and 889 discharges to and from care respectively and 714 children were accommodated for respite care.

The latest available information relating to looked after children in Northern Ireland, shown by HSS Trust, is available to view or download in Excel table format from the link below.  Trend data showing key figures over the past six years is also available.