Rate of CIC at 31 March per 10,000 children aged under 18 years

The rate of LAC in ECC has remained steady when taking into account the increase in cost of living and period of Covid. ECC currently have lower amount of Children in Care than the national average of England. This may be due to investment into early help services focusing on keeping family's together and supporting children and young people and parents in the family home.

Percentage of CIC at 31 March who are SMC

The table below indicates that ECC generally have a percentage of SMC who are LAC above the average of statistical neighbours and a noticeable difference above that of the average of England. ECC are part of the Home Office’s National Transfer Scheme that helps to relieve the demand on Kent LA for SMC placements and care.