More than 15,000 under-16s are thrown out of their family homes in the UK each year by abusive or neglectful parents, according to research by The Children’s Society, writes Clare Jerrom.

One in five of these children are physically or sexually assaulted while away from home, and as few children are ever reported to the police as missing their plight often goes unnoticed.

Bob Reitemeier, the charity’s chief executive, highlighted that the group was society’s “disposable children”.

“We have a responsibility to make sure these children have somewhere safe to go and someone sound to turn to,” he added.

The charity’s research found that children have almost no direct access to emergency accommodation so many stay with other family members or ‘friends’, although almost one fifth sleep rough or at a stranger’s house.

More than 3,000 children claimed they have been physically or sexually assaulted by strangers on the street or by so-called ‘friends’ and relatives. Some are forced to beg, steal or get involved with drugs or prostitution because they are wary of approaching authorities.

The Children’s Society has launched the 'Safe and Sound' campaign, and is calling for local authorities to put in place guidance on young runaways, a national network of safe emergency accommodation to be set up and child protection reform to improve protection for older children.

www.childrenssociety.org.uk/safeandsound/