The Centre for Young Lives has published its annual State of the Nation report, collating data and indicators to track trends in poverty, mental health, education, safeguarding, housing, special educational needs and disabilities, youth justice and employment in England. The report aims to provide a snapshot of childhood vulnerability and the scale of need, and to identify where further investment is required. Findings include: poverty continues to shape the lives of millions of children with increased housing insecurity, and the systems designed to support vulnerable children are under sustained pressure, with demand outstripping capacity across many services. The report calls for a national government strategy to reduce childhood vulnerability; a Cabinet-level Children and Families Unit; and investment to tackle the root causes of vulnerability.
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Source: Centre for Young Lives
Date published: 27 July 2026
