Teenagers make up nearly half of those in care in the Azores

The Azores had 317 children and young people in care on 1 November 2025, according to figures from the CASA 2025 report published by Açoriano Oriental. Of that total, 152 were aged between 12 and 17, making teenagers the largest age group at around 48%.

The regional figure was 20 higher than on the same date in 2024, when 297 people were in care, an increase of approximately 6.7%. Among the younger children, 52 were aged five or under and 61 were between six and 11; another 52 young people were aged 18 or over. In 2024, the report counted 55 children aged five or under in the region.

During 2025, 34 children and young people entered care in the Azores through emergency procedures, one more than in 2024. These procedures respond to situations of danger requiring immediate protection. The number of entries during a year is distinct from the number of people in care on a particular date.

Across Portugal, the report recorded 6,120 children and young people in care, compared with 6,349 in 2024. The national totals include residential and foster care; the Azores accounted for around 5.2% of the 2025 total. The regional increase contrasts with the national decline and highlights the range of ages represented in the archipelago's child protection system.