Developing a local strategy against trafficking

This section considers the different activities that need to be put in place in order to tackle trafficking in people effectively. Together these activities provide an overall ‘statement of need’ that can be used as a framework for the development of a local strategy. The activities fall under the two categories of:

§         the types of intervention for reducing trafficking and for supporting its victims;

§         the development of the capabilities of a local multi-agency organisation able to make the interventions work.

Local circumstances are likely to influence the particular initiatives that are put in place and the priorities assigned. This toolkit aims to provide a framework for the consideration of options and checklists to help review and inform local planning.

Subsequent sections of the toolkit make suggestions about who needs to be involved in these initiatives, what responsibilities they may have, and what contributions they may be able to make; how the interventions may be carried out in specific situations; and what organisation structures and processes would help to manage the initiatives.

It needs to be borne in mind throughout that child victims and adult victims of trafficking are likely to be, and should be, treated very differently in accordance with the relevant legislation which is different for children and adults in terms of addressing their welfare. Not least this is because local authorities are empowered under legislation to take specific measures to meet the needs of children.

Types of intervention

Organisational capability