In 2022, there were an estimated 61, 104 children in out-of-home care across Canada (Pollock et al., 2024). The national rate of out-of-home care was 8.24 children per 1000 population. Rate variations by province/territory were substantial and changed over time. The rate of out-of-home care varied by province/territory from 2.72 to 29.60 per 1000 children.
| Province/Territory | Rate per 1000 | Children in care | Child population | Age span |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | 11.30 | 926 027 | 10 462 | 0–18 |
| Alberta | 8.38 | 973 725 | 8164 | 0–17 |
| Saskatchewan | 17.27 | 331 213 | 5719 | 0–21 |
| Manitoba | 29.60 | 310 705 | 9196 | 0–17 |
| Ontario | 2.72 | 2 750 014 | 7489 | 0–17 |
| Quebec | 9.48 | 1 604 195 | 15 201 | 0–17 |
| New Brunswick | 7.52 | 143 925 | 1083 | 0–18 |
| Nova Scotia | 5.98 | 197 359 | 1180 | 0–20 |
| Prince Edward Island | 12.90 | 29 995 | 387 | 0–17 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 13.99 | 106 836 | 1495 | 0–21 |
| Yukon | 16.49 | 12 433 | 205 | 0–25 |
| Northwest Territories | 19.42 | 11 228 | 218 | 0–18 |
| Nunavut | 20.06 | 15 208 | 305 | 0–18 |
