Commonweal Housing has published a report, written by researchers at Public First, on the use of illegal unregistered children’s homes in the UK. Researchers carried out an analysis of Ofsted data as well as interviews with practitioners and policy experts. Findings show: a 372% increase in confirmed cases of unregistered settings between 2020/21 and 2024/25; many cases involved children with very complex, overlapping needs who often reached social care only at crisis point; and there is a shortage of appropriate placements for children with complex needs. Recommendations call for improved national data collection on unregistered placements and national guidance encouraging local authorities to assess the advantages and disadvantages of sequential sourcing where children have complex needs or urgent timelines.
Read the report: Commonweal report sheds light on illegal, unregistered children’s homes
Source: Commonweal Housing
Date published: 20 April 2026
