The body’s annual report reveals referrals dropped to 47,178 in 2008/09, compared with 50,314 the previous year.
Numbers of children referred for offences fell by 18.6 per cent, while those referred on care and protection grounds dropped by 2.7 per cent.
Despite these falls the organisation said those referred often live more chaotic lives than in previous years.
The decrease is seen partly as the result of partner agencies working together to implement new measures.
These include pre-referral screening processes, aimed at making sure only children who may be in need of compulsory measures of intervention are referred to the Reporter in line with the purpose of Scotland’s Children’s Hearings System.
Douglas Bulloch, SCRA’s chair, said: "The Children’s Hearings System had become overloaded in recent years, and we are seeing real progress in returning to a more appropriate scale of activity, though the levels across Scotland continue to vary."
Netta Maciver, SCRA’s chief executive, said: "We are seeing a greater number of very young children referred to the Reporter and we are also seeing a greater complexity in the lives and circumstances of children and young people coming to our attention.
"There are still children in Scotland facing very difficult situations on a daily basis. They may be living in chaotic households with parents who struggle with alcohol or drugs, or they may be experiencing abuse or neglect. These are the children who need to be identified as soon as possible to ensure they receive the most effective intervention."
