One in every 175 children in the East Riding were in care according to figures showing a disturbing North-South divide nationally, an expert has said.
East Riding figures compare to Hull and Blackpool with the highest proportion of children in care at one in 52, while North East Lincolnshire was third with one in 57.
Cost of living researcher Prof Kate Pickett said higher figures in the North compared to the South were no surprise after decades of under-investment in children’s services.
East Riding Council children’s services lead Merlin Joseph said they trying to prevent them having to go into care.
It comes as a Health Inequality North report showed there were around 83,000 children in care in England in 2023, the highest amount on record for the 15th year running.
The figure is 30 per cent higher than it was in 2010.
The East Riding figures come from a report which used details from March 2023.
Stoke-on-Trent had the second highest amount of children in care after Blackpool with one in every 53 children.
North East Lincolnshire in third was followed by Hartlepool with one in 62 and Liverpool with one in 64.
The London borough of Merton had the lowest proportion of children in care in England with one in 384.
Harrow, Kingston upon Thames, and Richmond upon Thames have the joint next lowest ratio at one in 333 children each.
They were followed by Wokingham in Berkshire with one in 312, and Hertfordshire with one in 277.
East Riding Council’s children’s services lead Ms Joseph said they always considered whether they could re-unite a child with their family throughout their time in care.
She added the council is set to hold its yearly Foster Care Fortnight from Monday, May 13 to Sunday, May 26 where people find out more about taking in children.
The official said:
“As is the case across the country, the number of children in care has risen over the last decade.
“There are many reasons why a child will come into our care, from ill health in the family, bereavement, or relationship difficulties, to a child needing to be protected.
“Along with partners, we work hard to provide support at the earliest opportunity to help prevent the need for care, and we also work with a child’s naturally occurring family and friend network to keep them within their network where it is safe to do so.
“I’d encourage anyone considering if they could provide a safe, secure and loving home for a child or young person, to find out more during this year’s Foster Care Fortnight.”
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