Press releases

Sue Berelowitz, Deputy Children's Commissioner, commenting on today's joint report from the APPG for Runaway and Missing Children and Adults and the APPG for Looked After Children and Care Leavers, said: 

"This excellent report highlights a serious problem that must be addressed.  Children who are in care should be properly supported by all concerned particularly during times when they feel vulnerable, desperate and confused and see running away as the solution to their problems. The research findings will also prove invaluable to those already working hard to ensure that children in care are kept safe. Any child who runs away from home or goes missing faces an increased risk of being harmed and is extremely vulnerable to being physically or sexually abused during this time. This report, along with the recent court cases which have revealed the risks of sexual exploitation faced by some children in care, will focus minds on the action needed to protect these children." 

Ends 

For media enquiries regarding the Office of the Children's Commissioner, please contact:

Denise Malcolm on 020 7783 8330

For further information about the APPG report, please contact:

Paul Martin in The Children's Society media team on 020 7841 4422, 07810487988 or email paul.martin@childrenssociety.org.uk