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.

Selling the family silver image

Selling the family silver

Ryan Swift, research fellow at IPPR North, urges the next Government to stop the mass sell off of council assets.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Social Worker

Wakefield Council
£40,221.00 - £43,421.00, Grade 10, 37 hours, Permanent
Community Mental Health Senior Social worker (level two) post at Baghill House Pontefract. Baghill House, Health & Wellbeing Centre, Walkergate, Pontefract, WF9 1QW
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Senior Social Worker

Wakefield Council
£40,221.00 - £43,421.00, Grade 10, 37 hours, Permanent
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time (37 hour) senior social work position within Connecting Care East. Castleford Civic Centre, Ferrybridge Road, Castleford, WF10 4JH
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Senior Care Assistant (Days)

Wakefield Council
£21,422.43 - £23,731.62, Grade 6, 30 hours, Permanent
Dovecote lodge is a short term placement unit which support the hospital with admissions, predominantly from the emergency department. Dovecote Lodge Dovecote Lane Horbury Wakefield West Yorkshire WF4 6DJ
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Complex Needs Support Worker

Wakefield Council
£19,697.84 - £21,064.05, Grade 5, 30 hours, Temporary
Dovecote Lodge currently has a vacancy for a 30 hour complex support worker, the rota includes days, afternoons and nights over a 10 week period. Dovecote Lodge Dovecote Lane Horbury Wakefield West Yorkshire WF4 6DJ
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Multi Skilled Operatrive x4

Wakefield Council
£22,737.00 - £29,269.00, Career grade 3-6, 37 hours, Permanent
We are seeking enthusiastic and capable colleagues to join our Highway Operations team that forms part of the Highway Network Management. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield 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.