Last week this pair became the first people successfully prosecuted by Ofsted for running illicit children’s homes. Most councils do not even know how many of these illegal homes operate in their area. ‘I was in care to be looked after, taken care of and protected from harm,’ she said in a victim’s statement. This charity worker said young people placed in illegal care homes were seen often as the most complicated or disruptive cases. ‘Illegal homes are used as a last resort in the hope a better solution can be found quickly.