Eighty children are made homeless every day

It says that young people rate drugs, unemployment, bullying and violence as the most important issues facing them.

Poverty is a factor and the report suggests that there is a link between deprivation and children getting into trouble.

Glasgow, which includes some of the UK's poorest postcodes, is one of the worst areas.

The city has the most children in care and the number of referrals to the children's panel is twice the Scottish average.

The report also indicates that one in five Scottish school pupils get free meals.

Vulnerable people

The fact file is intended to highlight the damaging effect poverty can have on Scotland's most vulnerable children and young people.

NCH Scotland policy officer Maggie Mellon said: "We hope that this first Scottish FactFile will be as helpful to policymakers and planners here as the UK NCH FactFile has been.

"We believe that this is the first time that the whole range of information about Scotland's children has been gathered together in this way."

Mary Mulligan, convener of the Scottish Parliament's education committee, said: "I am acutely aware of how the needs of children should be considered and taken into account.

"This book gives a unique insight into the lives and experiences of children across Scotland."