The figure translates as one in 26 looked-after children contacting the charity compared with around one in 100 children in the general population.
The report calls on local authorities to ensure fostered and other looked-after children always have an adult to speak up for them when they need help. At present, children only have a right to an "advocate" if they want to make a formal complaint about their care.
Children in care contacted the helpline for a variety of reasons – many were suffering physical and sexual abuse and neglect, and felt lost and helpless in the care system.
Some children were deeply unsettled and traumatised after being moved several times a year, some as many as 15 times while in care. Others complained of emotionally abusive or uncaring carers and being bullied by other children. Many looked-after children had to be counselled about self-harming or running away.
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