Commenting on reports that migrant children are going missing from the UK care system, Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England said:
“Lone child asylum-seekers are easy prey for traffickers and those who wish to do them harm, so reports of children from the Calais jungle going missing from care once they have been admitted into the UK very are concerning.
“Councils should be aware of the increased risk of asylum-seeking children going missing and take extra care to protect them. If they do go missing, they and the police should be working together to swiftly find them.
“I welcome the Government’s commitment to investigate these reports. A Government safeguarding strategy for refugee children is due by May but it is important that local councils have plans in place now.”
