14% of looked-after children are in care as a result of family dysfunction (10 per cent in England)
15% of looked-after children are placed for adoption (7 per cent in England)
6% of looked-after children are in care homes and hostels (13 per cent in England)
Middlesbrough has one of the highest proportions of children in care in the north east, beaten only by North and South Tyneside and Sunderland. However, it has an impressive record in placing children with adoptive parents and keeping them out of care homes. It has the lowest rate of children in hostels in the north east and one of the lowest in the country. The council has an innovative directory of children's services on its web site, with links to partner agencies.
Source: Department of Health.
