Mark Whitehead 11 December 2015

Rise in number of children missing from foster care warns report

The number of children going missing from foster care rose by almost a fifth in the last year, according to the latest report from Ofsted.

It found there were 5,055 children recorded as missing in 2014-15, up 19% on the previous year.

Local government leaders said the rise was 'worrying' but was also a sign that identification and reporting of such incidents were improving.

Ofsted's 'state of the nation' report also reveals that:

• There were 85,890 children and young people placed in foster care, an increase of 2% on 2013-14
• There were 36,890 fostering households, a decrease of 1%, while the number of family and friends households increased by 6% to 4,145
• The number of young people still living with their foster carers after reaching the age of 18 increased by 2%

For the first time Ofsted also asked services for data on child sexual exploitation (CSE) and children in foster care.

It found 3% of children and young people were reported as being at risk of CSE during the year while 1% were reported to be subject to it.

Eleanor Schooling, Ofsted’s national director for social care, said the slight rise in children being placed in foster care again showed that it continues to be a valued choice for vulnerable young people.

Commenting on the increase in numbers going missing, she added: 'While the rise may be a result of better recording and awareness from services, this remains an issue of concern given the grave risks associated with children who go missing.'

Cllr Roy Perry, chairman of the Local Government Association's children and young people board, said: 'Councils work hard to ensure children are settled with foster carers, and any child missing from care for any length of time is a concern for everyone.

'While the increased numbers of children going missing is worrying, it is also a sign that identification and reporting of these incidents is continuing to improve, reflecting the heightened awareness of the dangers that this behaviour can pose.'

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Community Transport Co-Ordinator - Braintree District Council

Essex County Council
£13.5700 - £14.9500 per hour
Community Transport Co-ordinator - Braintree District Council Temporary, Full Time£13.57 - £14.95 per HourBraintree, EssexClosing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Procurement Manager

Essex County Council
£46388.0000 - £54573.0000 per annum
Procurement ManagerPermanent, Full Time£46,388 to £54,573 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Youth Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (Pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£37185.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director – Housing Services

Redbridge London Borough Council
£Competitive
Are you ready to lead transformative housing services in one of London’s most ambitious and diverse boroughs? Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council
Linkedin Banner