Around 90 cent of those missing, according to the CLA’s survey of 202 councils using the Freedom of Information Act, were unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
The CLA fears that many of these could be the victims of trafficking.
The survey also revealed that six councils were unable to respond because they kept no central record of children who have gone missing.
Victoria Hull, CLA national development worker, said: "It is worrying that so many of the UK’s most vulnerable young people continue to disappear into thin air. It is imperative that every local authority keeps a central record of all missing looked-after children and their current status and this is still not happening.
"As the corporate parent, local authorities have a particular responsibility towards these young people. Any parent who had an untraced child would be frantic with worry – our view is that local authorities should feel the same way."
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
