Reforms to unregulated provision for children in care and care leavers

Overview

Children in care and care leavers are some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society. Every child and young person should have access to a stable and secure placement in accommodation that can meet their needs and, most importantly, keep them safe. We need to work together to make this happen and deliver the support these vulnerable children and young people deserve.

The number of children in care aged 16 or 17 placed in unregulated settings has increased from 2,900 in 2009 to 6,100 in 2019. We want to ensure these placements are good quality. It is unacceptable for any child or young person’s placement to not meet their needs and or keep them safe, for any amount of time.

Proposals include:

• banning using independent and semi- indepdendent provision for under 16s;
• introducing national quality standards;
• ensuring Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) represent young people’s interests;
• requiring local authorities and police forces to liaise; and
• new legal powers for Ofsted to take action against illegal providers

Why your views matter

Children in care and care leavers are some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society. Every child and young person should have access to a stable and secure placement in accommodation that can meet their needs and, most importantly, keep them safe. We need to work together to make this happen and deliver the support these vulnerable children and young people deserve.

We'd like your views on proposals on appropriateness of placements in independent and semi-independent provision for children in care and care leavers, and system checks and balances. Given operational pressures, the consultation has been extended.