Croydon kids in care went missing more than 1,000 times in a year

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Authorities in Croydon fear kids could be at risk of sexual abuse and criminal exploitation as children in care went missing more than 1,000 times in one year.

In the 2021/22 financial year, there were 2,067 ‘missing episodes’ recorded in the borough, more than half of which involved children in care.

But the incidents involve just 89 children.

In an annual report from the Croydon Safeguarding Children’s Partnership, Detective Superintendent Fiona Martin said work around transport hubs in the past year has stopped children falling into the hands of exploitation.

She wrote: “The Child Criminal Exploitation and Child Sexual Exploitation team continues to hold regular operations with the British Transport Police and Safer Neighbourhood team, other agencies, and surrounding forces particularly around transport hubs. These multi-agency operations will continue regularly in the coming year.

“They engage closely with children, understanding the risks they face and helping them to escape from that pathway. As a result we have diverted a number of children from high risk activities and ensured their safety.”

The report was discussed at a meeting of Croydon council’s children and young people scrutiny panel on Tuesday.

Cabinet member for children and young people councillor Maria Gatland said authorities in the borough are working with vulnerable youngsters.

Cllr Gatland said: “It is an area of great concern of mine, I understand there is a team of social workers that does intensive work on young people and families that are vulnerable in this area, working with the police and youth offending team.

“My own concerns are around missing children, particularly with children who are looked after. Where we live in Croydon, they can go anywhere and that is very difficult.

“I would hope that in return interviews information is gathered. But this is a hugely challenging and sensitive work, and we are keeping a very close eye on it, it is a priority, but we have a long way to go on it.

Debbie Jones, director of children services, assured that Croydon does not have higher levels of child sexual exploitation than other areas of London.

She added that there is a link between child sexual exploitation, gangs and serious youth violence.

She said: “These are vulnerable young people who are exposed to these risks, I wouldn’t want to put a number on it. Each young person is a young person first and foremost not a compilation of the risks they are exposed to.

“In those instances where you’ve got cases which hit the headlines that is because something dramatic and awful has happened. Out concern is to pick up young people before those points are reached.”

Pictured top: Croydon town hall (Picture: Grahame Larter)