Number of Children on Swansea’s Child Protection Register Rises to 491

The number of children placed on Swansea’s child protection register increased to 491 during 2025/26, as social services continued to face sustained demand linked to concerns including physical abuse, neglect, domestic abuse and substance misuse. Meanwhile, the number of children in care fell for the third consecutive year, although pressure on residential placements remains a challenge.

Child protection registrations increase

A total of 491 children were added to Swansea’s child protection register at various points during the 2025/26 financial year, compared with 433 in 2022/23, 462 in 2023/24 and 463 in 2024/25.

The register identifies children considered to be at risk of significant harm and in need of formal safeguarding measures.

Although children are regularly added to and removed from the register as their circumstances change, 232 children remained registered on 31 March 2026. This was higher than the corresponding figure at the end of each of the previous three financial years.

Council officers told Swansea Council’s Child and Family Services Scrutiny Panel that safeguarding activity had been influenced by several factors, including larger sibling groups, unborn babies, children under the age of one and families experiencing repeated safeguarding concerns.

A report presented to the panel said physical abuse concerns accounted for the largest proportion of new registrations, followed by neglect.

Demand for children's services rises

Swansea Council’s Child and Family Services Department received 17,137 contact referrals during 2025/26, an increase of 13% on the previous year.

Referrals came from a range of organisations, including the police, health services and education professionals.

Council officers said the continuing demand reflected concerns involving neglect, domestic abuse, alcohol and substance misuse, and family breakdown.

Local authorities have a broad responsibility to support children and families, assess safeguarding concerns and take action when a child may be at risk of significant harm.

Number of children in care falls again

Despite the rise in child protection registrations, the number of children in care in Swansea fell for the third consecutive year.

The number of looked-after children stood at 473 on 31 March 2026.

The council said the reduction reflected efforts to help children remain safely within their families wherever possible.

However, the number of children placed in residential care increased, despite the overall fall in looked-after children. One contributing factor was a shortage of available foster carers.

The council is working to recruit and retain foster carers while also developing plans to provide more residential placements directly through council-run homes.

Cllr Alyson Anthony, cabinet member for children, young people and families, told the panel: “We desperately want to provide our own placements but we are hindered by capacity.”

Positive feedback for social services

The report also highlighted positive findings from Care Inspectorate Wales, which had identified areas of strong practice during a social services assurance check, including work involving children born into care.

Staff in the child and family services department received more than 200 compliments during 2025/26.

One compliment described the support provided by the service as life-changing, highlighting the positive difference that effective assistance can make to children and their families.

The Daily Round-Up says

The increase in children placed on Swansea’s child protection register highlights the continuing pressures facing families and the professionals responsible for protecting vulnerable children. The figures underline the importance of early intervention, effective safeguarding and appropriate support for families experiencing difficulties.

The fall in the number of children in care is encouraging, particularly where children can remain safely with their families. However, it must be considered alongside the increase in child protection registrations and the growing demand for services. Keeping children within their families must always be balanced with their safety and wellbeing.

The shortage of foster carers and limited residential capacity also require attention. Swansea needs sufficient placements, trained professionals and resources to ensure that every child who cannot safely remain at home receives the right care.

The positive feedback received by council staff demonstrates that support can make a meaningful difference. The challenge now is to sustain that work while responding effectively to rising demand.

Source: Richard Youle, Local Democracy Reporter, 9 October 2026.