Get a grip on ‘scandal’ of illegal child social care in England, ministers are told
Summary
A report reveals a large increase in unregulated child social care homes in England, where vulnerable children are placed in unsafe settings like caravans and Airbnbs. Officials warn this illegal system puts children at risk because many care providers are not inspected or registered as required by law.Key Facts
- The number of unregistered child care homes in England rose from 144 in 2020-21 to 680 in 2024-25.
- Children have been placed in unregulated places such as caravans, holiday camps, and Airbnbs.
- The Care Standards Act 2000 requires all children's homes to be registered with Ofsted, the government inspection body.
- For-profit providers control over 80% of child residential homes and sometimes charge £20,000-£40,000 per week for unregulated placements.
- Social workers face tough choices between placing children in illegal settings or leaving them in unsafe situations like police stations or on the street.
- Some legal care homes refuse high-risk children to protect their inspection ratings, leaving fewer safe options.
- Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza called this situation a “national scandal” and called for urgent action.
- The government plans new laws to allow Ofsted to fine and close illegal child care homes.
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