Bedford Borough welcomes proposals to stop unregulated care home placements

Bedford Borough Council welcomes today's government announcement for proposals to stop children in care being placed in unregulated accommodation.

There have been growing concerns locally and nationally about the number of children under the age of 16 placed in unregulated accommodation and being left at risk.

Under new proposals, the government would introduce national standards for unregulated accommodation to improve the quality and security of the placements. Ofsted would also be allowed new legal powers to crack down on illegal unregistered providers.

These proposals are being published as part of a consultation. The Council supports this step in tackling this issue and will feedback into the consultation.

The Council met with The Children's Society last year, looking at unregulated care homes and the impact they have on children.

Mark Russell, Chief Executive at The Children's Society, said; "The numbers of children being placed in unregulated accommodation is on the rise, making this consultation both timely and essential. We are pleased the government is looking carefully at this issue and recognising the wider issues at play, such as the shortage of places where they're most needed. Children are often placed in these settings in an emergency and out of their home area, where they may not get the support they need and can be at particular risk of going missing and being criminally or sexually exploited. All accommodation for children in care has to be suitable for their needs and no child should be placed in accommodation where they are not safe. It's vital that quality standards are introduced across the board. This consultation should lead to tangible changes which address these issues and ensure all children get the help they deserve."