evidence: In January 2022, 3,566 children in Northern Ireland were recorded as being in care, which is the highest recorded figure since 1995, according to Department of Health statistics which have been trending upwards for more than a decade. [...] The Department of Health collects data on the number of children who are placed in care in Northern Ireland. [...] The Department of Health collects regular data on the number of children in care in Northern Ireland. According to its January 2022 bulletin, there were 3,566 children in care, which is the highest recorded figure since 1995.