According to official statistics, the number of looked after children at the end of March 2015 totalled 69,540. This is an increase of 1% compared to last year and 6% compared to four years ago. The numbers are the highest since 1985, with 61% being looked after because of abuse of neglect.
The statistics also show that the numbers of foster placements for children are continuing to rise, with 75% of the total mentioned above for 2015 being cared for in foster homes. This has been a trend since 2009 where the number began to steadily increase.
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