Charity wants more specialist support for exploited children

The children’s charity wants local authorities to consider using specialist foster care to provide the best possible support for sexually exploited and trafficked children.

It also wants all professionals who work with children to undergo training to help them recognise and refer children at risk of being victims of either crime.

Barnardo’s says its two-year pilot project, evaluated by the University of Bedfordshire, has highlighted the benefits of specialist support for vulnerable teenage victims of sexual exploitation and child trafficking.

The study found that victims placed in specialist foster care are less likely to go missing and more likely to move on from the abuse they suffered, compared with those who do not receive focused support.

Barnardo’s claims the pilot exposed shortcomings in the care system, with low numbers of referrals from local authorities.

Michelle Lee-Izu, director of the charity, said: “The care system is failing children at high risk of being abused and exploited.

“Residential care can successfully disrupt exploitative relationships, but if it’s not managed properly, it risks compounding and exacerbating the dangers for children. Grouping the most vulnerable people together can create an easy target for perpetrators.