Special needs of children

Children are protected by a comprehensive framework of powers and responsibilities set out in the Children Act 1989, its associated regulations and inter-agency guidance.  In essence, all statutory agencies and professionals are expected to work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child. Working Together to Safeguard Children and the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families both provide detailed, complementary guidance regarding referring children to social services and the response that social services should make. 

Child victims of trafficking may be children in need as defined by s.17 of the Children Act 1989, and may be in need of urgent action to secure their safety because of a risk to their life or likelihood of serious harm.  Action to ensure a child's safety should not result in the child feeling that they are being detained against their will, nor should it infringe their rights to privacy.  For example, providing dedicated education provision in small groups, with chaperoned travel to and from the teaching centre, rather than open attendance at school or college with no protection.

Specialist counselling is required, to address the trafficking issue, and specialist and sensitive health care is important.