The number of those living in unregulated care rose by 45% from 2018-22, according to the UK's Department for Education figures, while there was a fall, from 59% in 2018 to 56% in 2022, in children and young people accommodated within their council boundary, a proportion which falls to a third for those in children’s homes.
In moving away from their home area, these kids lose their support networks, are at greater risk of going missing and become ready-made targets for exploitation by criminal gangs.