Reporting year 2023

Children in need

Data guidance

Published

Description

This guidance describes the data included in the underlying data files of the 2023 National Statistics release ‘Children in Need’. 

This data is released under the terms of the Open Government Licence (opens in a new tab) and is intended to meet at least 3 stars for Open Data (opens in a new tab)

The methodology page should be referenced alongside this data.

Coverage

This annual release contains statistics on children in need in England, including child protection plans, and referrals to and assessments completed by children’s social care services. Each reporting year covers the period 1 April to 31 March.

Data is collected by the Department for Education in the annual ‘Children in need census (opens in a new tab)’ from all local authorities in England.

The underlying data files include national, regional and local authority level information for the years 2013 to 2023.

File formats and conventions

Confidentiality

The following symbols are used in the underlying data files as follows: 

     c     to protect confidentiality - secondary suppression may also be applied to figures to protect confidentiality

     z      data not applicable 

     x      data not available 

     u      low reliability

Where any number is shown as zero, the original figure submitted was zero.  

Rounding

England and regional totals are rounded to the nearest 10, therefore totals may not equal the sum of their component parts.

Percentages are rounded to one decimal place, therefore component parts may not sum to 100.

Rates per 10,000 children aged 0 to 17 years are rounded to one decimal place. 

Data files

All data files associated with this releases are listed below with guidance on their content. To download any of these files, please visit our data catalogue.

A1 National time series of children in need, referrals and assessments

Filename
a1_cin_assessments_episodes_referrals_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Children in need, episodes of need, and referrals and assessments completed by children's social care services.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
category_typeCategory type
numberNumber
percentPercentage
rateRate per 10,000 children aged under 18 years
Footnotes
  1. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

A2 National time series of section 47s, initial child protection conferences and child protection plans

Filename
a2_section47_icpc_cpp_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Section 47 enquiries, initial child protection conferences and child protection plans.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
category_typeCategory type
numberNumber
percentPercentage
rateRate per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Footnotes
  1. Rates per 10,000 children are calculated based on ONS mid-year population estimates for children aged 0 to 17 years.
  2. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

A3 National times series of children in need by gender, age and primary need

Filename
a3_cin_primary_need_by_age_gender_2018_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018 to 2023
Content

Children in need by gender, age and primary need.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
characteristicCharacteristic
CIN_At31Children in Need at 31st March
N0_Not_statedN0 - Not stated
N1_Abuse_or_neglectN1 - Abuse or neglect
N2_Childs_disability_or_illnessN2 - Child's disability or illness
N3_Parents_disability_or_illnessN3 - Parent's disability or illness
N4_Family_in_acute_stressN4 - Family in acute stress
N5_Family_dysfunctionN5 - Family dysfunction
N6_Socially_unacceptable_behaviourN6 - Socially unacceptable behaviour
N7_Low_incomeN7 - Low income
N8_Absent_parentingN8 - Absent parenting
N9_Cases_other_than_CINN9 - Cases other than children In need
Footnotes
  1. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

A4 National time series of children in need by ethnicity and age and gender

Filename
a4_cin_by_ethnicity_and_age_gender_2018_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018 to 2023
Content

Children in need by gender, age and ethnicity.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
Asian_or_Asian_BritishAsian or Asian British
Black_or_Black_BritishBlack or Black British
characteristicCharacteristic
CIN_At31Children in Need at 31st March
KnownKnown ethnicity
MixedMixed
Other_groupOther ethnic group
WhiteWhite
Footnotes
  1. White comprises white British, white Irish, traveller of Irish heritage, Gypsy/Roma and any other white background.
  2. Mixed comprises white and black Caribbean, white and black African, white and Asian and any other mixed background.
  3. Asian or Asian British comprises Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese and any other Asian background.
  4. Black or black British comprises Caribbean, African and any other black background.
  5. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

A5 National time series of child protection plans by initial category of abuse and gender, age and ethnicity

Filename
a5_cpp_initial_category_of_abuse_by_gender_age_ethnicity_2018_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018 to 2023
Content

Children who were the subject of a child protection plan at 31 March by initial category of abuse by gender, age and ethnicity.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
characteristicCharacteristic
characteristic_typeCharacteristic type
CPP_At31Child Protection Plans at 31st March
Emotional_Abuse_InitialEmotional Abuse
Multiple_InitialMultiple
Neglect_InitialNeglect
Physical_Abuse_InitialPhysical Abuse
Sexual_Abuse_InitialSexual Abuse
Footnotes
  1. 'Multiple' refers to instances where there is more than one main category of abuse. Children included in this category are not included in any other category of abuse, therefore a child is counted only once in this measure.
  2. White comprises white British, white Irish, traveller of Irish heritage, Gypsy/Roma and any other white background.
  3. Mixed comprises white and black Caribbean, white and black African, white and Asian and any other mixed background.
  4. Asian or Asian British comprises Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese and any other Asian background.
  5. Black or black British comprises Caribbean, African and any other black background.
  6. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

A6 National time series of child protection plans by initial category of abuse

Filename
a6_cpp_initial_category_of_abuse_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Children who were the subject of a child protection plan at 31 March by initial category of abuse

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
CPP_At31Child Protection Plans at 31st March
Emotional_abuse_InitialEmotional Abuse
Multiple_InitialMultiple
Neglect_InitialNeglect
Physical_abuse_InitialPhysical Abuse
Sexual_abuse_InitialSexual Abuse
Footnotes
  1. 'Multiple' refers to instances where there is more than one main category of abuse. Children included in this category are not included in any other category of abuse, therefore a child is counted only once in this measure.
  2. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

A7 National time series of children in need by gender, age and ethnicity

Filename
a7_cin_by_age_gender_ethnicity_2015_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2015 to 2023
Content

Children in need by gender, age and ethnicity.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
characteristic_typeCharacteristic type
numberNumber
percentPercentage
Footnotes
  1. White comprises white British, white Irish, traveller of Irish heritage, Gypsy/Roma and any other white background.
  2. Mixed comprises white and black Caribbean, white and black African, white and Asian and any other mixed background.
  3. Asian or Asian British comprises Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese and any other Asian background.
  4. Black or black British comprises Caribbean, African and any other black background.
  5. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

B1 Children in need and episodes of need by local authority

Filename
b1_children_in_need_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Children in need episodes at any point during the year, episodes starting and ending in the year and children in need at 31 March.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
Anypoint_childChildren with an episode of need at any point during the year
Anypoint_child_rateRate of children with an episode of need at any point during the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Anypoint_episodesEpisodes of need at any point during the year
Anypoint_episodes_rateRate of episodes of need at any point during the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
At31_episodesChildren in need at 31 March
At31_episodes_rateRate of children in need at 31 March per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Awaiting_assessmentChildren in need at 31 March who are awaiting assessment or do not require an assessment
Awaiting_assessment_rateRate of children in need at 31 March who are awaiting assessment or do not require assessment per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Ended_childChildren ending an episode of need in the year
Ended_child_rateRate of children ending an episode of need in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Ended_episodesEpisodes of need ending in the year
Ended_episodes_rateRate of episodes ending in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Started_childChildren starting an episode of need in the year
Started_child_rateRate of children starting an episode of need in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Started_episodesEpisodes of need starting in the year
Started_episodes_rateRate of episodes of need starting in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Footnotes
  1. Rates per 10,000 children are calculated based on ONS mid-year population estimates for children aged 0 to 17 years.
  2. A child can have more than one episode of need throughout the year, but episodes should not overlap.
  3. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

B2 Children in need at 31 March by recorded disability and local authority

Filename
b2_children_in_need_recorded_disability_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Children in need by disability.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
At31_episodesNumber of children in need at 31 March
At31_episodes_disability_recordedNumber of children in need at 31 March with a disability recorded
At31_episodes_disability_recorded_percentPercentage of children in need at 31 March with a disability recorded
Autism_percentAutism/Asperger Syndrome
Behaviour_percentBehaviour
Communication_percentCommunication
Consciousness_percentConsciousness
Hand_Function_percentHand Function
Hearing_percentHearing
Incontinence_percentIncontinence
Learning_Difficulties_percentLearning
Mobility_percentMobility
Other_percentOther Disability
Personal_care_percentPersonal Care
Vision_percentVision
Footnotes
  1. The Disability Discrimination Act defines a disabled person as a person with a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities. The condition must have lasted or be likely to last at least 12 months to be classed as a disability.
  2. A child may have more than one disability recorded, therefore the disability category percentages may not sum to 100.
  3. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

B3 Children in need at 31 March by primary need and local authority

Filename
b3_cin_primary_need_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Children in need by primary need at assessment.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
At31_episodesNumber of children in need at 31 March
N0_Not_statedN0 - Not stated
N1_Abuse_or_neglectN1 - Abuse or neglect
N2_Childs_disability_or_illnessN2 - Child's disability or illness
N3_Parents_disability_or_illnessN3 - Parent's disability or illness
N4_Family_in_acute_stressN4 - Family in acute stress
N5_Family_dysfunctionN5 - Family dysfunction
N6_Socially_unacceptable_behaviourN6 - Socially unacceptable behaviour
N7_Low_incomeN7 - Low income
N8_Absent_parentingN8 - Absent parenting
N9_Cases_other_than_CINN9 - Cases other than children in need
Footnotes
  1. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

B4 Children in need by duration of episode and local authority

Filename
b4_children_in_need_duration_of_open_episode_2013_to_2023_v2.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Children in need by duration of episode of need.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
1_year_less_than_2_years1 year but less than 2 years - number
1_year_less_than_2_years_percent1 year but less than 2 years - percentage
2years+2 years and over - number
2years+_percent2 years and over - percentage
3_months_or_less3 months or less - number
3_months_or_less_percent3 months or less - percentage
At31_episodesNumber of children in need at 31 March
more_than_3_months_6_monthsMore than 3 months but less than or equal to 6 months - number
more_than_3_months_6_months_percentMore than 3 months but less than or equal to 6 months - percentage
more_than_6_months_less_than_1_yearMore than 6 months but less than 1 year - number
more_than_6_months_less_than_1_year_percentMore than 6 months but less than 1 year - percentage
Footnotes
  1. The duration of episodes open at 31 March is calculated as the difference between 31 March of the reporting year and the referral date.
  2. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

B5 Duration of episodes of need ending during year to 31 March by local authority

Filename
b5_children_in_need_duration_of_ended_episode_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Episodes of need ending during the year by duration of episode of need.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
1_year_less_than_2_years1 year but less than 2 years - number
1_year_less_than_2_years_percent1 year but less than 2 years - percentage
2years+2 years and over - number
2years+_percent2 years and over - percentage
3_months_or_less3 months or less - number
3_months_or_less_percent3 months or less - percentage
Ended_episodesNumber of episodes ending during the year to 31 March
more_than_3_months_6_monthsMore than 3 months but less than or equal to 6 months - number
more_than_3_months_6_months_percentMore than 3 months but less than or equal to 6 months - percentage
more_than_6_months_less_than_1_yearMore than 6 months but less than 1 year - number
more_than_6_months_less_than_1_year_percentMore than 6 months but less than 1 year - percentage
Footnotes
  1. The duration of episode of need ending in the year is calculated as the difference between the referral date and closure date.
  2. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

B6 Episodes of need ending by reason for closure and local authority

Filename
b6_children_in_need_reason_for_closure_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Episodes of need ending during the year by reason for case closure.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
Ended_episodesNumber of episodes of need ending in the year
RC1_AdoptedRC1 - Adopted - Number
RC1_Adopted_percentRC1 - Adopted - Percentage
RC2_DiedRC2 - Died - Number
RC2_Died_percentRC2 - Died -Percentage
RC3_Residence_OrderRC3 - Residence Order - Number
RC3_Residence_Order_percentRC3 - Residence Order - Percentage
RC4_Special_Guardianship_OrderRC4 - Special Guardianship Order - Number
RC4_Special_Guardianship_Order_percentRC4 - Special Guardianship Order - Percentage
RC5_Transfer_to_another_LARC5 - Transfer to another LA - Number
RC5_Transfer_to_another_LA_percentRC5 - Transfer to another LA - Percentage
RC6_Transfer_to_Adult_Social_ServiceRC6 - Transfer to Adult Social Services - Number
RC6_Transfer_to_Adult_Social_Service_percentRC6 - Transfer to Adult Social Services - Percentage
RC7_OtherRC7 - 'Other' incl. Child no longer in need - Number
RC7_Other_percentRC7 - 'Other' incl. Child no longer in need - Percentage
unknownUnknown - Number
unknown_percentUnknown - Percentage
Footnotes
  1. Unknown includes episodes ending during the year where reason for closure was not known and episodes closed after an assessment where no further action was taken.
  2. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

B7 Child in need plans by local authority

Filename
b7_child_in_need_plans_2022_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2022 to 2023
Content

Children in need plans starting and ending during the year, at any point during the year and at 31 March.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
CINPlan_anypointNumber of children in need plans at any point in the year
CINPlan_anypoint_rateRate of children in need plans taking place at any point in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
CINPlan_At31Number of children in need plans at 31 March
CINPlan_At31_rateRate of children in need plans at 31 March per 10000 children aged under 18 years
CINPlan_child_anypointNumber of children on children in need plans at any point in the year
CINPlan_child_anypoint_rateRate of children on children in need plans at any point in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
CINPlan_child_endNumber of children ending children in need plans in the year
CINPlan_child_end_rateRate of children ending children in need plans in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
CINPlan_child_startNumber of children starting children in need plans in the year
CINPlan_child_start_rateRate of children starting children in need plans in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
CINPlan_endNumber of children in need plans ending in the year
CINPlan_end_rateRate of children in need plans ending in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
CINPlan_startNumber of children in need plans starting in the year
CINPlan_start_rateRate of children in need plans starting in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years

C1 Referrals and re-referrals to children's social care services by local authority

Filename
c1_children_in_need_referrals_and_rereferrals_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Referrals to children's social care services, referrals within 12 months of a previous referral, referrals which resulted in no further action and referrals which were assessed and resulted in no further action.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
No_Further_ActionReferrals which resulted in no further action
No_Further_Action_percentReferrals which resulted in no further action (%)
Not_in_NeedReferrals which resulted in an assessment and the child was assessed not to be in need
Not_in_Need_percentReferrals which resulted in an assessment and the child was assessed not to be in need (%)
Re_referralsRe-referrals within 12 months of a previous referral
Re_referrals_childNumber of children with a referral within 12 months of a previous referral
Re_referrals_child_percentNumber of children with a referral within 12 months of a previous referral (%)
Re_referrals_percentRe-referrals within 12 months of a previous referral (%)
ReferralsReferrals in the year
Referrals_childNumber of children with a referral in the year
Referrals_child_rateRate of children referred per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Referrals_rateRate of referrals in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Footnotes
  1. Rates per 10,000 children are calculated based on ONS mid-year population estimates for children aged 0 to 17 years.
  2. If a child has more than one referral in a reporting year, then each referral is counted.
  3. There is significant variation between local authorities in the number of referrals which resulted in no further action without an assessment taking place. This is likely to be explained by differences in local practice.
  4. There is significant variation between local authorities in the number of referrals which resulted in the child being assessed as not in need. This is likely to be explained by differences in local practice.
  5. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

C2 Completed assessments by duration of assessment and local authority

Filename
c2_children_in_need_assessments_duration_2014_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2014 to 2023
Content

Assessments completed by children's social care services by duration of assessment.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
1-10_days1 to 10 days
11-20_days11 to 20 days
21-30_days21 to 30 days
25th_Percentile_days25th percentile (days)
31-40_days31 to 40 days
41-45_days41 to 45 days
46-50_days46 to 50 days
51-60_days51 to 60 days
61+_days61 days and over
75th_Percentile_days75th percentile (days)
Assessments_completedNumber of assessments in the year
Assessments_completed_rateRate per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Median_daysMedian (days)
Same_dayStarted and finished the same day
Footnotes
  1. Rates per 10,000 children are calculated based on ONS mid-year population estimates for children aged 0 to 17 years.
  2. The duration of an assessment is calculated as the time in working days between the assessment start date and the assessment end date.
  3. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

C3 Factors identified at the end of assessment by local authority

Filename
c3_factors_identified_at_end_of_assessment_2018_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2018 to 2023
Content

Factors identified at the end of assessment.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
Alcohol_Misuse_childAlcohol misuse: concerns about child
Alcohol_Misuse_parentAlcohol misuse: concerns about parent
Alcohol_Misuse_personAlcohol misuse: concerns about other person
Child_criminal_exploitationChild criminal exploitation
Child_sexual_exploitationChild sexual exploitation
Domestic_Abuse_childDomestic abuse: concerns child is victim
Domestic_Abuse_parentDomestic abuse: concerns parent is victim
Domestic_Abuse_personDomestic abuse: concerns other person is victim
Drug_Misuse_childDrug misuse: concerns about child
Drug_Misuse_parentDrug misuse: concerns about parent
Drug_Misuse_personDrug misuse: concerns about other person
Emotional_AbuseEmotional abuse
Episodes_with_assessment_factorNumber of episodes with assessment factor information
Faith_linked_abuseAbuse linked to faith or belief
Female_Genital_MutilationFemale Genital Mutilation
GangsGangs
Going_missingGoing/being missing
Learning_Disability_childLearning disability: concerns about child
Learning_Disability_parentLearning disability: concerns about parent
Learning_Disability_personLearning disability: concerns about other person
Mental_Health_childMental health: concerns about child
Mental_Health_parentMental health: concerns about parent
Mental_Health_personMental health: concerns about other person
NeglectNeglect
OtherOther factors
Physical_Abuse_adult_on_childPhysical abuse: adult on child
Physical_Abuse_child_on_childPhysical abuse: child on child
Physical_Abuse_unknownPhysical abuse
Physical_Disability_childPhysical disability or illness: concerns about child
Physical_Disability_parentPhysical disability or illness: concerns about parent
Physical_Disability_personPhysical disability or illness: concerns about other person
Privately_fosteredPrivately fostered
Self_harmSelf-harm
Sexual_Abuse_adult_on_childSexual abuse: adult on child
Sexual_Abuse_child_on_childSexual abuse: child on child
Sexual_Abuse_unknownSexual abuse
Socially_unacceptable_behaviourSocially unacceptable behaviour
TraffickingTrafficking
Unaccompanied_asylum_seekerUnaccompanied asylum seeker
Young_CarerYoung carer
Footnotes
  1. Figures exclude the category ‘no factors identified’.
  2. An episode of need may have more than one factor recorded.
  3. Information on child on child and adult on child physical and sexual abuse was collected and reported on for the third time in 2023. Previously physical abuse and sexual abuse was collected and reported on (irrespective of whether it was child on child or adult on child) and some local authorities have provided information on the old basis only, or a mixture of the old and new basis, since 2021. The old physical and sexual abuse categories have therefore been included to provide a more complete account of this category of assessment.
  4. The ‘Domestic violence’ factor was renamed as ‘Domestic abuse’ in the 2022 release. This is a change to the description of the factor and is not a change to the information collected for this factor.
  5. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

C4 Section 47s and Initial Child Protection Conferences by local authority

Filename
c4_children_in_need_section_47s_and_icpcs_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

 Section 47 enquiries and initial child protection conferences.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
Duration_0-10_daysDuration between start of Section 47 enquiry and ICPC (0-10 working days)
Duration_11-15_daysDuration between start of Section 47 enquiry and ICPC (11-15 working days)
Duration_16-20_daysDuration between start of Section 47 enquiry and ICPC (16-20 working days)
Duration_21+_daysDuration between start of Section 47 enquiry and ICPC (21+ working days)
Duration_25th_PercentileDuration between start of Section 47 enquiry and ICPC (25th percentile working days)
Duration_75th_PercentileDuration between start of Section 47 enquiry and ICPC (75th percentile working days)
Duration_medianDuration between start of Section 47 enquiry and ICPC (Median working days)
ICPCNumber of ICPCs
ICPC_childNumber of children undergoing an ICPC
ICPC_child_rateRate of children undergoing an ICPC per 10000 children aged under 18 years
ICPC_rateRate of ICPCs per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Section47Number of Section 47s
Section47_childNumber of children undergoing a Section 47
Section47_child_rateRate of children undergoing a Section 47 per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Section47_rateRate of Section 47s per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Footnotes
  1. Rates per 10,000 children are calculated based on ONS mid-year population estimates for children aged 0 to 17 years.
  2. The duration between start of a section 47 enquiry and initial child protection conference is calculated as the time in working days between the start of section 47 and the date of the initial child protection conference. For cases transferred in from another local authority, the duration is calculated as time in working days between the referral date and the date of the initial child protection conference.
  3. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

C5 Referrals to children's social care services by source of referral and local authority

Filename
c5_children_in_need_referrals_by_source_2014_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2014 to 2023
Content

Referrals to children's social care services by source of referral.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
AnonymousAnonymous
Education_ServicesEducation services
Health_ServicesHealth services
HousingHousing
IndividualIndividual
LA_ServicesLA services
OtherOther
Other_legal_agencyOther legal agency
PolicePolice
ReferralsNumber of referrals
SchoolsSchools
UnknownUnknown
Footnotes
  1. If a child has more than one referral in a reporting year, then each referral is counted.
  2. The source of referral is recorded for each new referral. Where there is more than one referral for the same child on the same day, the first referral should be recorded.
  3. 'Health services' includes referral from GPs, health visitors, school nurses, other primary health services, A&E and other health services.
  4. 'LA services' includes referrals from social care, other internal local authority services, external local authority services and early help.
  5. 'Individual' includes referrals from family members, relatives, carers, acquaintances and self-referrals.
  6. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

C6 Referrals to children's social care services by month and local authority

Filename
c6_children_in_need_referrals_by_month_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Referrals to children's social care services by month of the year.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
AprilApril
AugustAugust
DecemberDecember
FebruaryFebruary
JanuaryJanuary
JulyJuly
JuneJune
MarchMarch
MayMay
NovemberNovember
OctoberOctober
ReferralsTotal number of referrals in the year
SeptemberSeptember
Footnotes
  1. If a child has more than one referral in a reporting year, then each referral is counted.
  2. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

D1 Child Protection Plans by local authority

Filename
d1_child_protection_plans_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Child protection plans starting and ending during the year, at any point during the year and at 31 March.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
CPP_anypointNumber of child protection plans at any point in the year
CPP_anypoint_rateRate of child protection plans taking place at any point in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
CPP_At31Number of child protection plans at 31 March
CPP_At31_rateRate of child protection plans at 31 March per 10000 children aged under 18 years
CPP_child_anypointNumber of children on child protection plans at any point in the year
CPP_child_anypoint_rateRate of children on child protection plans at any point in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
CPP_child_endNumber of children ending child protection plans in the year
CPP_child_end_rateRate of children ending child protection plans in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
CPP_child_startNumber of children starting child protection plans in the year
CPP_child_start_rateRate of children starting child protection plans in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
CPP_endNumber of child protection plans ending in the year
CPP_end_rateRate of child protection plans ending in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
CPP_startNumber of child protection plans starting in the year
CPP_start_rateRate of child protection plans starting in the year per 10000 children aged under 18 years
Footnotes
  1. Rates per 10,000 children are calculated based on ONS mid-year population estimates for children aged 0 to 17 years.
  2. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

D2 Child Protection Plans starting in the year by category of abuse and local authority

Filename
d2_cpps_starting_by_category_of_abuse_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Child protection plans starting during the year by initial and latest category of abuse.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
CPP_startNumber of child protection plans starting during the year
Emotional_InitialInitial: Emotional abuse
Emotional_LatestLatest: Emotional abuse
Multiple_InitialInitial: Multiple
Multiple_LatestLatest: Multiple
Neglect_InitialInitial: Neglect
Neglect_LatestLatest: Neglect
Physical_InitialInitial: Physical abuse
Physical_LatestLatest: Physical abuse
Sexual_InitialInitial: Sexual abuse
Sexual_LatestLatest: Sexual abuse
Footnotes
  1. 'Multiple' refers to instances where there is more than one main category of abuse. Children included in this category are not included in any other category of abuse, therefore a child is counted only once in this measure.
  2. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

D3 Child Protection Plans starting during year which were a second or subsequent plan, by local authority

Filename
d3_cpps_subsequent_plan_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Child protection plans starting in the year and child protection plans which are a second or subsequent plan.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
CPP_startNumber of child protection plans starting during the year
CPP_subsequentNumber of child protection plans which were a second or subsequent plan
CPP_subsequent_percentPercentage of child protection plans which were a second or subsequent plan (%)
Footnotes
  1. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

D4 Child Protection Plans at 31 March by category of abuse and local authority

Filename
d4_cpps_at31march_by_category_of_abuse_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Children who were the subject of a child protection plan at 31 March by initial and latest category of abuse.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
CPP_At31Number of children who were the subject of a child protection plan at 31 March
Emotional_InitialInitial: Emotional abuse
Emotional_LatestLatest: Emotional abuse
Multiple_InitialInitial: Multiple
Multiple_LatestLatest: Multiple
Neglect_InitialInitial: Neglect
Neglect_LatestLatest: Neglect
Physical_InitialInitial: Physical abuse
Physical_LatestLatest: Physical abuse
Sexual_InitialInitial: Sexual abuse
Sexual_LatestLatest: Sexual abuse
Footnotes
  1. 'Multiple' refers to instances where there is more than one main category of abuse. Children included in this category are not included in any other category of abuse, therefore a child is counted only once in this measure.
  2. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

D5 Child Protection Plans at 31 March by duration and local authority

Filename
d5_cpps_at31march_by_duration_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Children who were the subject of a child protection plan at 31 March by duration of the plan.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
1_year_less_than_2_years1 year but less than 2 years
1_year_less_than_2_years_percent1 year but less than 2 years (%)
2_years_or_more2 years and over
2_years_or_more_percent2 years and over (%)
3_months_or_less3 months or less
3_months_or_less_percent3 months or less (%)
CPP_At31Number of children who were the subject of a plan at 31 March
more_than_3_months_6_monthsMore than 3 months but less than or equal to 6 months
more_than_3_months_6_months_percentMore than 3 months but less than or equal to 6 months (%)
more_than_6_months_less_than_1_yearMore than 6 months but less than 1 year
more_than_6_months_less_than_1_year_percentMore than 6 months but less than 1 year (%)
Footnotes
  1. The duration of a child protection plan at 31 March is calculated as the time between the child protection plan start date and 31 March of the reporting year.
  2. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

D6 Child Protection Plans reviewed within timescales by local authority

Filename
d6_cpps_reviewed_within_timescales_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Children who were the subject of a child protection plan at 31 March that had been on a plan for at least three months and had reviews carried out within the required timescales.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
CPP_At31_3MonthsChildren who were the subject of a child protection plan at 31 March and who had been the subject of a plan for 3 or more months
Reviewed_within_timescalesNumber reviewed within the required timescales
Reviewed_within_timescales_percentPercentage reviewed within the required timescales (%)
Footnotes
  1. Statutory guidance states that a child should have a review of their child protection plan within the first three months of being the subject of the plan, and then subsequently at intervals of not more than six months.
  2. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

D7 Child Protection Plans ending during the year to 31 March by duration and local authority

Filename
d7_cpps_ending_by_duration_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Child protection plans ending during the year by duration of the plan.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
1_year_less_than_2_years1 year but less than 2 years
1_year_less_than_2_years_percent1 year but less than 2 years (%)
2_years_or_more2 years and over
2_years_or_more_percent2 years and over (%)
3_months_or_less3 months or less
3_months_or_less_percent3 months or less (%)
CPP_EndNumber of child protection plans that ended during the year
more_than_3_months_6_monthsMore than 3 months but less than or equal to 6 months
more_than_3_months_6_months_percentMore than 3 months but less than or equal to 6 months (%)
more_than_6_months_less_than_1_yearMore than 6 months but less than 1 year
more_than_6_months_less_than_1_year_percentMore than 6 months but less than 1 year (%)
Footnotes
  1. The duration of a child protection plan which ended during the year to 31 March is calculated as the time between the child protection plan start date and end date.
  2. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

D8 Child protection plans ending during the first six months of the year by duration child remained in need and local authority

Filename
d8_cpps_ending_in_first_6months_by_duration_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Child protection plans ending during the first six months of the year by duration of the plan

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
3_months_or_lessLess than or equal to 3 months
3_months_or_less_percentLess than or equal to 3 months (%)
3_months_or_less_transferTransferred to another local authority
3_months_or_less_transfer_percentTransferred to another local authority (%)
CPP_End_first_6monthsNumber of child protection plans that ended during the first 6 months of the collection year
more_than_3_months_6_monthsMore than 3 months but less than or equal to 6 months
more_than_3_months_6_months_percentMore than 3 months but less than or equal to 6 months (%)
more_than_6_monthsMore than 6 months
more_than_6_months_percentMore than 6 months (%)
Footnotes
  1. The duration of a child protection plan which ended during the first 6 months of the year ending 31 March is calculated as the time between the child protection plan start date and end date.
  2. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

Headline figures

Filename
headline_figures_2013_to_2023.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2013 to 2023
Content

Headline children in need figures.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
child_protection_plansChild protection plans (as at 31 March)
child_protection_plans_per_10000_childrenChild protection plans per 10,000 children (as at 31 March)
children_in_needChildren in need (as at 31 March)
children_in_need_per_10000_childrenChildren in need per 10,000 children (as at 31 March)
completed_assessmentsCompleted assessments (year to 31 March)
referralsReferrals (year to 31 March)
Footnotes
  1. Rates per 10,000 children are calculated based on ONS mid-year population estimates for children aged 0 to 17 years.
  2. Data for the years ending 31 March 2021 and 2022 is not available for Hackney local authority, therefore 2020 data for Hackney has been included in 2021 and 2022 national totals, and regional totals for inner London and London. Refer to the methodology section for more information.

ONS mid-year population estimates

Filename
ons_mid-year_population_estimates_2012_to_2021.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2012 to 2021
Content

ONS population estimates for children aged 0 to 17 (age at mid-year).

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
age_groupAge group
population_estimatePopulation estimate (mid-year)