Fears have been raised for Dundee’s most vulnerable children after shock new figures revealed hundreds of youngsters going missing from care.
Children as young as 10 featured in 1,406 city-wide reports of looked after minors on the run in the last five years.
Charities have warned that children missing from care are at high risk of falling victim to sexual exploitation and physical abuse.
The Scottish Government admitted the care system “must do better”.
There were 288 reports of children in care going missing in 2016, according to data obtained from Dundee City Council.
That figure has crept up since 2013, but is down on the 328 who were declared missing in 2011.
The longest a child was absent for was three days, with the average about four hours.
Alex Cole-Hamilton, for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, which obtained the figures, said the numbers are “incredibly concerning”.
“Such young children are susceptible to all sorts of dangers such as physical abuse, grooming and sexual exploitation when they are out on the streets by themselves,” the MSP said.
“We need to make sure local services have the resources that enable any child that is put under care is given the support and the tools they need.”
Looked after children are under the care of the local authority and may be in a residential children’s home, living with foster parents or at home with their parents under the supervision of social services.
They could also be based in a school setting or secure unit.
There were 592 looked after children in Dundee in July last year, which was 2.2% of the city’s youth population.
A spokesman for NSPCC Scotland said those in care go missing for various reasons, including trying to return to their family or as part of an attempt to regain control of their lives.
“Children who go missing are at a greater risk of physical abuse, grooming and sexual exploitation and we know that children in care are significantly more likely to run away than their peers,” he added.
“That’s why it’s crucial for all looked after children to have consistent and sensitive support in a caring environment to help them overcome their early life experiences to give them the best chances in life and protect them from further harm.”
A Dundee City Council spokesman said there has been a downward trend in the missing reports since 2011.
He added the way the authority prevents and reacts to such incidents is under regular review.
“We have good partnership arrangements in place with Police Scotland to respond to missing persons,” he said.
“We work closely with our child protection partners and will always ensure that there are detailed discussions with the young person involved.
“The council and its partners regularly reviews protocols and procedures in light of incidents of young people who go missing for any length of time.”
Asked whether councils are given enough resource to minimise the incidents, a Scottish Government spokesman said they have treated town halls “very fairly” despite UK cuts.
The spokesman added: “We firmly believe the care system can and must do better for our most vulnerable young people.
“While these figures show in most cases the child was missing for a few hours, even short term absences are a concern.
“We have established an independent review group, driven by those with experience of care, which will make recommendations to improve both the quality of life and outcomes of young people in care.”
Children can call Childline at any time on 0800 1111.
