What’s going on to Safeguard Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation? Research Briefing

This Comic Relief-funded research was commissioned to review the implementation of the 2009 government guidance Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation. Separate but related work is taking place in Wales and Northern Ireland. The research does not cover Scotland as there are different legal and organisational arrangements
Welcomed for giving a helpful overview of safeguarding sexually exploited young people, the 2009 guidance recommended that each LSCB have a proactive strategy with a dual approach to prevent child sexual exploitation: protecting young people and prosecuting abusers. It suggested that LSCBs take a strategic lead with a specific protocol; a multi-agency sub-group to implement joint interventions; and coordination of the delivery of the strategy. It noted the need for support for sexually exploited young people and their families or carers.