'Weaknesses' in how children's homes help runaways revealed

"Serious weaknesses" in England's care system have been revealed by a report which found children's homes failed to protect runaways, the children's minister says.

An investigation by MPs found placing youngsters far from home could encourage them to abscond - leaving them then at risk of sexual abuse.

Their report calls for an independent investigation into the homes system. Children's Minister Tim Loughton said "urgent steps" would be taken.Much of the criticism by the all-party parliamentary groups on children in care and on runaways and missing people focuses on homes where about 5,000 of the 65,000 of those in care are looked after.

The report, which was first highlighted by BBC Two's Newsnight programme earlier this month, says the system of residential care is "not fit for purpose" for children who go missing. It says many older children who have complex needs are placed in residential care that is poor quality and unsuitable, often a long way from home, family and friends.

You can read more on this story on the BBC News website here.

Former Young Runaways Shares Their Stories With Minister

Lynne Featherstone, Minister for Equalities and Criminal Information, met with young people who have been supported by the Children’s Society to hear about their experiences of running away and going missing.

She heard about their experiences, and talked to them about how the government was helping young people like them through the missing children and adults strategy (available to download in full here).

Lynne Featherstone said: 'The problem of children going missing is bigger than many people realise, with those aged 15 to 17 most likely to go missing, as well as being at risk of harm and exploitation. 'Hearing the views of children and young people has renewed my determination to ensure we are doing all we can to help and support them.'

The minister heard how two 15-year-old girls succumbed to peer pressure before going missing repeatedly, often feeling scared and vulnerable in some of the situations they found themselves in. However, they were introduced to a Children's Society project via their school, and soon found the impartial support and advice they needed to make the change.