FOSTER children in Worcestershire went missing on 85 occasions during 2018-19.

The recent figures from Ofsted come as concerns have been raised about whether children nationally are being denied vital safeguarding interviews to assess them for signs of exploitation.

The Local Government Association says growing pressures on councils mean it is becoming “increasingly difficult” to make sure vulnerable children are given the support they need.

Councils are under a legal obligation to interview children who run away from their carers, looking at the reasons why.

However, Adam Johnston, assistant director for Through Care at Worcestershire Children First, said: “In 2018, Worcestershire children’s services invested in the creation of three new full-time Missing Children Officers.

"The role of these staff is to undertake interviews with young people who have been missing from home and care.

"The interviews cover safeguarding and exploitation as we work with each young person to understand the “push and pull” factors that had led them to being missing. Within our new Get Safe team, the data and content of these is incorporated into information we hold on children and young people who are vulnerable to or experiencing exploitation. We understand that children who have been missing or experienced exploitation are more vulnerable and will have additional needs.”

Iryna Pona, policy manager at charity the Children’s Society, said: “Return home interviews are really important as they show the child that professionals care."