Social services chiefs are continuing to place children under 16 in bed and breakfast hotels nearly a year after the practice sparked public outrage.

Three youngsters are living in B&Bs despite a ruling by social services bosses that the type of accommodation is unsuitable for U16s.

The mother - from Keighley - of a 15-year-old boy who has been living for three months in a bed and breakfast hotel this week accused Bradford council of putting his well-being at risk.

His situation has also provoked criticism from the Children's Society which says his physical and mental health is under threat.

But a social services spokesman claims the boy - who cannot be named for legal reasons - receives adequate support through the department working with hotel staff. He adds that the three children had to be placed in B&Bs because of a desperate shortage of foster carers.

The 15-year-old boy was moved into the bed and breakfast hotel after he assaulted a member of staff at a care home. His mother had contacted social services in 1996 because she could not control his 'temper tantrums' and felt he needed specialist help.

She says: "He can be a problem because of his temper, but he shouldn't be placed in a hotel. He needs help and is just being swept into a corner.

"I had problems with my son and as a last resort sought the help of social workers. Since that time the situation is ten times worse.

"I wanted there to be more control in his life - now he can stay out until what time he wants and do what he wants."

Cllr Stanley King, the council's Conservative group social services spokesman, says: "I am very concerned to hear about this case.

"What will a 15-year-old be doing with his time in a bed and breakfast without any supervision from an adult?

"Quite obviously social services will get desperate if they have an overflow of youngsters and there are not enough foster parents available, but bed and breakfasts are not the answer."

Angela Underdown, social policy officer for the Children's Society, says: "A 15-year-old child needs protection and guidance. We would be concerned for his welfare as this could place his physical and mental health at risk."

The Bradford council spokesman says the placement of U16s in B&Bs is rare and only occurs when a suitable alternative cannot be found. He adds that of the 700 children in social services care, only three are in B&Bs.

"The decision has to be taken by a senior manager," he says. "Ideally we would like to place more young people with foster carers but unfortunately, as we have highlighted before, there is a shortage of carers around the district and indeed throughout the country."

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