Wed 23rd November, 2011
Experts from the University of Bedfordshire have welcomed the Government's focus on child sexual exploitation following the release of its action plan today.
But Sue Jago and Professor Jenny Pearce from the International Centre for the Study of Sexually Exploited and Trafficked young people – an applied social research centre based at the University – say the proposed changes aren’t enough.
The Government’s Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation Action Plan calls on all locals areas to take urgent action to stop the sexual exploitation of children and young people.
Sue said: “The Government's national action plan responds to many of the findings in our recently published research, What's Going On to safeguard children and young people from sexual exploitation which was funded by Comic Relief, and we welcome the Government's focus on child sexual exploitation as an issue that needs and deserves a better response from local agencies and partnerships.
“We are very disappointed that the action plan does not include a specific review of the trial process for young witnesses, including the use and impact of special measures.. Something is very wrong when young victims of child sexual exploitation can find giving evidence as damaging as the original abuse.”
Professor Pearce added: “Our research highlighted a number of issues, including the lack of data on child sexual exploitation, the poor provision of professional training and widespread lack of raising awareness with young people, their parents and carers. The Government’s action plan has addressed these concerns and we welcome this and its focus on the child-centred, practical support that young people need, including health, education and housing.
“However, a key issue in our report was the lack of response to child sexual exploitation in three quarters of the country. The action plan includes an intention to strengthen Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) and to help them to prioritise child sexual exploitation - but how this is to be achieved is yet to be developed.
“In more than ten years since specific guidance has been available on this issue, and despite an earlier national plan, still only a quarter of the country has taken action. The impact of the Government’s action plan will depend largely on how it succeeds in ensuring that child sexual exploitation receives an appropriate child protection response in every area of the country.”
To read the recommendations in the What’s Going On to safeguard children and young people from sexual exploitation report, visit www.beds.ac.uk/news
To read the Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation Action Plan, visit www.education.gov.uk
Latest news» 2011» November» University experts respond to Government action plan on child sexual exploitation
