Commission on Young Lives · 2021
This report from the Commission on Young Lives examines why the children's social care system is failing vulnerable teenagers in England, particularly those at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation. It finds that teenagers are the fastest-growing cohort in care, yet the system — designed for younger children — is ill-equipped to meet their needs, with chronic shortages of appropriate placements, overuse of unregulated accommodation, and frequent out-of-area moves that increase exposure to exploitation. The report makes nine recommendations, including a cross-departmental ministerial taskforce, a new Teenager at Risk helpline, an end to unregulated placements for under-18s, and new models of specialist foster and residential care.