16 & 17 year olds and unregulated accommodation - DSC Community Care Team Webinar

Concerns about the use of unregulated accommodation (or ‘other arrangements’ under s22C Children Act 1989) to house children in care have been widespread in recent months. In February 2020, the Department for Education launched a consultation on Reforms to unregulated provision for children in care and care leavers. The consultation closed in June 2020 and the government’s response is awaited. Last month, the charity Just for Kids Law published a new report, Not in Care, Not Counted which revealed that an estimated 1,498 children aged 16 and 17 in England who are at risk of homelessness and should be in the care of local authorities are unlawfully placed in unregulated accommodation under the Housing Act 1996 or section 17 Children Act 1989. This accommodation includes hostels and supported accommodation with minimal adult supervision, leaving them at risk of abuse and exploitation.
In this online webinar, Mary-Rachel McCabe, a member of our Community Care & Health Team, will be joined by Just for Kids Law’s Kady Murphy, Policy Officer (Housing and Social Care) and Mital Raithatha, solicitor and Head of Education and Community Care. They will consider the legal framework for placing children in care in unregulated accommodation; the difference between unregulated and unregistered provision; the findings of Just for Kids Law’s recent report; and what they and others are calling for the government to change so that vulnerable 16 and 17 year olds are better protected.
The webinar will be chaired by Jamie Burton, head of our Community Care & Health team.

[@kamgunner5920]

In the Megan case how the local authority was free to get away with such negligence is disgraceful! You should name and shame them at the very least. If local authorities are acting like crooks how can care providers be held accountable? Can I get some advice on the supported living set up please? I am interested in setting up a supported living business with the aspirations to help alleviate these unethical practices. I can't change the whole sector but I hope to help atleast those who experience my services!

[@Louiseskybunker]

Investigate the parliamentarians who have historically denied regulations for the housing of young. Only predators allow that kind of perverse values .