WIREDGOV

The Guidance on the Safeguarding of Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation will help teachers, health professionals, social workers, the police and other key practitioners in Wales to tackle sexual exploitation. The guidance will help practitioners identify children at risk, equip them to protect these vulnerable children and to take action against the perpetrators.  

Child sexual exploitation is a global problem that affects boys and young men as well as girls and young women and takes many different forms. The true extent of this crime against children and young people in Wales and worldwide is unknown because most activity takes place behind closed doors.

Gwenda Thomas said:  

“The sexual exploitation of children and young people is completely unacceptable and I am determined to do all I can to help eradicate it. Children are robbed of their childhood and this form of abuse can have a serious long term impact on every aspect of their and their families lives.  

“This document  Guidance on the Safeguarding of Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation will steer a multi-agency approach to identify and offer protection and long term support to children and young people who are at risk, or have been the victim of sexual exploitation.

“Sexually exploited children are not criminals and they must not be regarded as such. The law enforcement response must continue to be directed at the perpetrators.”

The Deputy Minister has commissioned a review within 6 months of the guidance being published to examine how the guidance is being applied by the Local Safeguarding Children Boards.    

Mrs Thomas continued:

"I remain committed to ensuring that this guidance is a useful and practical document that will contribute to the effective safeguarding of these vulnerable children. The need to protect children and young people from harm and neglect in an ever-changing and more complex society continues to be a real challenge and we must ensure we equip professionals with the best tools possible to respond."

Barnardo’s Cymru assisted in producing the guidance and will be delivering training events in 2011.

Barnardo’s Cymru Director, Yvonne Rodgers, said:

“Barnardo’s Cymru believes that children have the right to grow up free from abuse and sexual exploitation and for the last decade we have been campaigning, both through the services that we provide, and through our lobbying work, to support young people who are exploited.  

“We welcome the new guidance as it reflects the evolving understanding of child sexual exploitation and the broader spectrum of abuse.  The challenge now will be to implement this guidance and ensure that there is an integrated approach between agencies and that they are all aware of their roles and responsibilities to prevent and protect against sexual exploitation and prosecute the perpetrators.”

Keith Towler, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, welcomed the Welsh Government’s commitment to strengthen the safeguards for children and said:

“Child sexual exploitation is a hidden form of abuse and so being able to recognise the signs and symptoms is essential. I hope practitioners will embrace this new guidance and share with all colleagues so that everyone working with children and young people feel confident to act on any concern they may have.”

Related Links

Safeguarding of Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation