Child trafficking

Guidance on how to spot children who may be victims of child trafficking has been issued by the government.

The information is targeted at all professionals and community groups that come into contact with children, and explains how to offer help and long-term support to victims.

Three hundred and thirty cases of suspected child trafficking were identified in a recent report by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre.

Children affected may become involved in sex work, sold as domestic servants, used as sweat shop labour or in crime.

Department for Children, Schools and Families Minister, Kevin Brennan, said: “Child trafficking is a particularly ugly and pernicious crime, with serious consequences for the young people caught up in it.

The new guidance is available for consultation for five weeks at www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations.