Responding to reports that young people are being left to "fend for themselves" in these care settings - which have seen a 70 per cent increase in their use by councils - the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) said total regulation would limit the flexibility offered by unregulated accommodation in the care market.
Around 5,000 looked-after children in England are living in 16+ supported accommodation, up from 2,900 since 2009, according to figures from the Department for Education.
Research carried out by the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) for missing children and adults highlighted concerns from more than 25 police forces about the vulnerability of young people over 16 being placed in this type of accommodation.
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