William Eichler 15 April 2024

Over 700 vulnerable children placed in illegal homes

Over 700 vulnerable children placed in illegal homes image
Image: Joaquin Corbalan P / Shutterstock.com.

Councils in England placed hundreds of vulnerable school-age children in unregulated homes last year due to the shortage of secure places, an investigation has revealed.

In 2022-23, over 700 looked after children were placed in homes that were not registered with Ofsted, the children’s social care watchdog, according to the Observer.

The investigation found that the providers operating these homes received nearly £105m from English councils last year.

It is an offence under the Care Standards Act 2000 to operate a children’s home without an Ofsted registration. However, Ofsted did not prosecute a single provider in 2022-23.

The number of children placed in illegal homes rose by 277% between 2020 and 2023.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner