Children who have been trafficked into the country before being involved in crime are sometimes prosecuted rather than treated as victims.
But the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (Ceop) and the Crown Prosecution Service are attempting to educate prosecutors on the issue.
A spokeswoman for Ceop said an increased focus on the issue means greater pressure on children's services.
Chris Spencer, co-chair of the Association of Directors of Children's Services and ADASS Asylum Task Force, said: "It is not in anybody's interest for these children to be criminalised."
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