THURROCK Council is continuing to care for a steady stream of unaccompanied asylum -seeking children (UASC), with senior officers warning of ongoing pressures on placements, safeguarding, education and long term care.

A detailed update will be presented to the authority's corporate parenting committee on Thursday (19 March) outlining the authority's statutory responsibilities for UASC under the Children Act 1989 and wider duties linked to immigration and asylum processes.

The report has been prepared by Head of Social Care, Elise McQueen.

Thurrock is currently required to care for up to 46 UASC at any one time, in line with the mandatory National Transfer Scheme, which allocates children to councils based on 0.1 per cent of their total child population.

Although the authority remains below this threshold, the number has increased from 31 in April 2025 to 33 by December, the highest point recorded during the year.

The report highlights a sharp rise in numbers between 2020 and 2023, when the cohort peaked at 44, before stabilising over the last two years.

Most young people supported this year are recorded as Black African (27) with small numbers from Asian, mixed and other backgrounds.

Placement pressures continue to be a significant concern. While 11 young people are currently in supported accommodation and ten in foster care, the council remains reliant on placements outside its boundary due to limited local capacity.

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However, since August 2025 there has been a steady decline in the number of children being placed out of the Thurrock boundary, with a 17 per cent reduction, although Thurrock remains 10 per cent above statistical neighbours and 14 higher than the national average.

Safeguarding risks remain high, with UASC particularly vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation and going missing.

The council works closely with the National Referral Mechanism and the Independent Child Trafficking Guardianship service where needed.

Education outcomes show strong engagement, with 37 young people supported by the Virtual School. Seven are in school and 29 in college, with no youngsters currently missing education or classified as NEET.

Committee members will be asked to note the report, scrutinise safeguarding arrangements and consider how the council can strengthen placement supply and improve education and employment opportunities for children.