Anglia Ruskin University has published research exploring unregistered children’s homes in the UK and possible links to child exploitation, both criminal and sexual. Findings from the research showed that a mix of factors, including lack of governance and standards, the heightened vulnerabilities of children, and the geographical location of the settings, led to young people facing serious risk of exploitation and harm. Recommendations include the need for: enforceable accountability for local authorities choosing to illegally place children in unregistered homes; commissioning based on risk, rather than purely on availability; and safeguarding responses that reflect the ways in which children can be exploited through the use of social media and messaging apps.
Read the report: Illegal children’s homes increase exploitation risk
Source: Anglia Ruskin University
Date published: 14 May 2026
