How broken children became big business
The care sector in the UK is facing significant failures, particularly in the treatment of vulnerable children. A recent case highlighted the abuse of a 15-year-old girl placed in an illegal children's home, where she was sexually exploited by her supposed caretakers. Despite the shocking nature of the incident, it has received minimal media attention, raising concerns about the ongoing issues within the social care system.
- ▪A 15-year-old girl was placed in an illegal children's home where she was sexually abused by her caretakers.
- ▪The two men responsible for the abuse had criminal convictions and were employed despite their history.
- ▪Last year, 800 children were sent to similar unregulated homes, highlighting a systemic failure in the care sector.
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How broken children became big business Vulnerable kids are dumped in illegal homes The care sector is broken. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) The care sector is broken. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Ian Birrell May 18 2026 - 12:02am 7 mins It is hard to think of a more grotesque example of state failure. A 15-year-old girl is taken into protective care to escape sexual exploitation in south Wales. The local authority sends her off to a children’s home 260 miles away in Yorkshire. Then she is moved to a three-bedroom property 50 miles further north near Durham, where she is the only resident. One day, two “carers” tell their boss they are taking the girl for a river walk. Instead, they go to the pub and ply her with wine, cocktails and shots.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at UnHerd.
