But the number of older children entering care is on the rise. In 2010/11, 27,310 children were taken into care. Of these, 11,690 (43 per cent) were older than 10. Moreover, of those 11,690 children, 80 per cent entered care for the first time last year according to government figures published earlier this month.
The education select committee is now conducting an inquiry into child protection, with a focus on how older children, particularly those aged 15 to 19, are treated by the system and what needs to change to improve safeguarding for this overlooked group.
Kate Wallace, deputy director of policy and research at Barnardo's, believes professionals often regard antisocial behaviour or substance misuse as the key issues when dealing with the case of an older young person, rather than the neglect or abuse that can be going on behind the scenes.
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