Laura Sharman 21 March 2022

'Alarmingly high' numbers of exploited looked-after-children going missing from care

Alarmingly high numbers of exploited looked-after-children going missing from care image
Image: Sabphoto / Shutterstock.com

Nearly half of looked-after-children that have experienced criminal or sexual exploitation went missing from care in 2020, charities have warned.

A new report by Missing People and ECPAT UK found 48% of exploited looked-after-children went missing in 2020, with each of those children going missing an average of 10 times.

This compares to one in 10 of the general looked-after-children population that were reported missing in this time, and one in 200 of all children in the UK.

The report confirmed there is a strong link between children going missing and being exploited, as many are trying to escape gangs or groomers by leaving home or their schools.

It said: 'This short report evidences the scale of exploited looked after children going missing from care, finding that this group of children are amongst those at highest risk of going missing, and going missing repeatedly.'

It also found that one in seven of non-exploited children that went missing between July 2017 and March 2018 said they had been sexually exploited.

Banning urban pesticide use image

Banning urban pesticide use

RSPB and PAN are working on a letter from local councillors calling on the Government to introduce a national ban on urban pesticide use. Find out more below.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Team Manager (Hospital Integrated Discharge Team)

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£51093 - £54129 per annum
Strength in people. Strength in communities. Strength in diversity.Do you want to work in a forward-thinking organisation, passionate about Adult Serv England
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Lifeline Operator x 2

Harborough District Council
Grade 4 (actual salary £25,066 to £26,826)
Do you enjoy supporting others and have an interest in working in a role that brings variety and challenge? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker Children in Care (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 8/9 Up to £41,438 - plus potential market forces supplement
There’s never been a more exciting time to join Doncaster Council. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Experienced Children's Social Workers Duty and Assessment (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 8/9 up to £43,438 including £2,000 retention supplement
We are passionate about Doncaster - it’s a great place to live, do business and visit. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Waking Nights Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £25,969 - £28,665
We are passionate about Doncaster - it’s a great place to live, do business and visit. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.