Teach vulnerable children how to spot exploitation, government urged

The call comes from one of the organisers of the Youth Freedom Programme, believed to be the first course of its kind in the UK.

Taking place this summer in West Sussex, around 12 looked-after children will take part in nine 90-minute sessions, learning to recognise abusive behaviour and exploitation and how to manage unsafe situations.

They will also learn what constitutes a meaningful relationship. A common factor among many victims of child exploitation is not realising they are being exploited and believing their abusers are boyfriends.

Nick Rousseau, operations co-ordinator for residential care provider Cura Services and founder of one of the groups involved in the course The Working Partnership, said: "Without doubt, this is the kind of project that should be taking place across the country. As far as we know this is the first in the country to look at issues around relationships and abuse in this way with looked-after children."