For four years Newsnight has been investigating problems with unregulated children’s homes. In 2019 we revealed how thousands of teenagers in care were being placed in unregulated homes, often where criminal gangs thrived and sexual exploitation was commonplace.
Teenagers at that time told us they had been exploited, abused and left to fend for themselves. In 2021, after Newsnight’s investigation, the government changed the law making it illegal for children in care under 16 to be placed in these homes in England.
Yesterday they went even further, announcing a ban for anyone under 18 in care from being housed in unsuitable adult settings too.
Despite these changes to the law, vulnerable teenagers who are not in care are still being put at risk.
A BBC investigation has found hundreds of teenagers at risk of homelessness have been put into adult accommodation like hostels. Charities say it’s never appropriate to place 16 or 17 year olds in adult settings without specialist support because they could be exploited.
Correspondent Anna Collinson reports. If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised in the film, you can call BBC Action line on 0800 066 066.
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