"The analysis of Ofsted data has shown that cases of unregistered homes in England increased from 144 in 2020-21 to 680 in 2024-25, which experts say is likely to be an underestimation of the true figure."
"Private companies have been accused of charging local governments exorbitant fees to look after children in unsuitable settings when a bed in an Ofsted-inspected children's home or fostering placement cannot be found."
"Social workers and child social care leaders have told the Guardian that they have been given the Hobson's choice of placing a child often with the most complex needs in a last-minute uninspected setting or leaving them at a police station or on the street."
"Senior practitioners told the report's authors that unregistered placements had changed from something they might see once every six months to something that crosses their desk at least once a week."
A report reveals a dramatic increase in children placed in unregulated settings in England, rising from 144 cases in 2020-21 to 680 in 2024-25. Vulnerable children are being housed in unsuitable environments like caravans and Airbnbs, leading to potential harm. The Care Standards Act mandates registration with Ofsted, yet many private companies charge exorbitant fees for inadequate care. Social workers face difficult choices, often placing children in uninspected settings due to a lack of alternatives. The prevalence of unregistered placements has escalated significantly, indicating a troubling trend in child social care.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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