Over 70 organisations call for urgent need to safeguard unaccompanied children

1,606 children who arrived alone in England between July 2021 and June 2022 were placed in hotel accommodation directly by the Home Office, instead of in the care of local authorities where they could receive the support and protection that, by law, every child in the UK is entitled to.

45 children, some as young as 11, went missing over a 10-month period.

We are joining over 70 organisations in a call to Government to step up to its most vital role – caring for children.

Our statement calls on the Government to cease the use of hotel accommodation and invest in proper care for children so that local authorities can accept and support every child who arrives on our shores without a parent or guardian.

Over 70 organisations are joining the call, put forward by Children England and ECPATUK (Every Child Protected Against Trafficking) and raising their voices on social media, using #CareForEveryChild.

Join our call and show your support on social media.

Read the full statement and the complete list of organisations supporting it