A lack of data on deaths of children in care has put Scotland in the “heart-breaking 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.

A teenage girl with her head in her hands showing signs of mental health issues. (posed by model)
Pic: Gareth Fuller/PA — A teenage girl with her head in her hands showing signs of mental health issues. (posed by model) Pic: Gareth Fuller/PA

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

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

Scotland in ‘heart-breaking position’ with lack of information on care deaths