Study highlights major flaws in policy and practice to protect children with additional learning needs from criminal and sexual exploitation and recommends specific approaches to improving safeguarding
Research funded by the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre has highlighted the increased risk of exploitation and trafficking faced by children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England and Wales.
The study, led by Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) Institute for Children's Futures in partnership with the University of Portsmouth and Portsmouth City Council, revealed critical vulnerabilities stemming from the absence of national strategies to protect this group – however, the new Policing and Crime Bill may offer safeguards against criminal exploitation and cuckooing (see box).
The report Trafficking and exploitation of children with special educational needs and disability recommends that the government should adopt more joined-up approaches to tackle the issue and provide resources so that schools and youth groups can intervene before harm happens, rather than during or after exploitation.
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