According to BBC News, "children as young as 11 years old are illegally being placed in unregulated homes in England." In the UK, Children 16 years old and older are permitted to be placed in unregulated homes, also known as semi-independent or supported accommodation. However, these homes are increasingly being used to house children below the age limit, "many of whom are recognised as at risk of child sexual exploitation." Ann Coffey MP calls these placements "an astonishing abdication of responsibility."
