The actress Samantha Morton has accused the Government of being ‘neglectful’ towards 16 and 17-year-olds in care. The law changed in September 2021 so that under-16s are in regulated settings like children's homes or foster care. But others go into supported or semi-independent accommodation such as a hostel. The charity Article 39 said that 22 children aged 16 and 17 in supported accommodation died between 2018 and 2020. The charity said the policy was discriminatory and ministers had not properly consulted youths placed in supported accommodation. It recently took the Government to court. Judgment is expected in the next few weeks. A 15-year-old living in a very supportive environment would be moved when they turn 16 into rented, shared accommodation alongside someone who may have been released from prison with a tag. Article 39's director said extensive research showed children in this type of housing are vulnerable to criminal or sexual exploitation. Many feel lonely, isolated and abandoned when placed in properties on their own.