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Complaints in numbers
Since the Ombudsman for Children’s Office first opened in 2004, the number of complaints we receive has increased each year.
Most of our complaints come from parents complaining on behalf of their children, but guardians, social workers, doctors and other professionals, as well as children themselves also contact us.
Education is always one of the most complained about categories which isn’t surprising considering the amount of time young people spend at school and due to the need to provide education to all children. We also receive complaints about health, housing, child protection and many other issues. Find out more about our complaints here.
2021
Number of new complaints in 2021
Percentage complaints by county in 2021
Who contacted us?
Breakdown of complaints
2020
Number of new complaints in 2020
Percentage complaints by county in 2020
Who contacted us?
Breakdown of complaints
2019
Number of new complaints in 2019
Percentage complaints by county in 2019
Who contacted us?
Breakdown of complaints
2018
Number of new complaints in 2018
Percentage complaints by county in 2018
Who contacted us?
Breakdown of Complaints
2017
Number of new complaints in 2017
Percentage complaints by county in 2017
Who contacted us?
Breakdown of complaints
2016
Number of new complaints 2010-2016
Percentage complaints by county in 2016
Who contacted us
Percentage of complaints relating to various sectors*
*Exceeds 100% as some categories are mentioned in more than one complaints.
Breakdown of education complaints
Breakdown of housing complaints
2015
Number of new complaints 2004-2015
Who contacted us?
What were the complaints about?
2014
New and carried over complaints for each year 2004-2014
Cumulative growth 2004-2014
Top issues complained about (%)
Top categories complained about (%)

The sub-categories of new complaints received in respect of education matters
The sub-categories of new complaints received relating to family support, care and protection
The sub-categories of new complaints received relating to health
Persons contacting the Office
2013
Number of new complaints 2004-2013
What are complaints about
2012
Number of complaints dealt with 2001-2012
Cumulative growth 2004-2012
Complaint categories
Complainants
2011
Number of complaints dealt with
Cumulative growth
Complaint categories

Further analysis of categories
Education
The table below shows the main categories of new complaints received in respect of education matters:

Health
The table below shows the main categories of new complaints received in respect of health matters: