Child Protection Guidance 2021

Part 4: Specific support needs and concerns 166 National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 Version 1.0 September 2021 4.199 Some CSE involves trafficking and criminal exploitation . This is when children are recruited, transported or exchanged in order to be exploited. Travel may include short distances (e.g. taxi rides) or medium distances (e.g. across a rural/island region or into an urban centre), as well as international travel. Assessments of possible CSE should consider if a child has been trafficked for the purposes of CSE. The immediate priority is to secure the safety and respond to the needs of the child. They should also be referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) as explained below in the section on child trafficking. Not all trafficking involves CSE. 4.200 Some children and young people involved in CSE may be coerced into committing crimes by those who perpetrate CSE. This could include committing crime to escape abusers, or as a cry for help. Those who experience CSE may experience a punitive and criminalising response for engaging in antisocial behaviour, and may not be recognised as children who have been sexually exploited. It is essential that professionals engage with them, listen, and take time to understand the context of behaviour and choices with which the child has been faced. Victims of CSE require protection and support. 4.201 Children who run away find themselves making survival choices when they have nowhere to stay and feel alone. Abusers may befriend a child before or after they run, offer false sanctuary, or encourage the involvement of peers. Some children run to avoid abuse or out of fear of abusers, or of the consequences of being held to account for behaviours. A non-believing response from professionals or family increases risk of running. The National Missing Persons Framework for Scotland provides guidance for a multi-agency response when an individual goes missing, outlining roles and responsibilities, and including questions to use in risk assessment for concerns including sexual exploitation (Scottish Government, 2017). 4.202 Recruitment by children of other children for CSE does occur. The power and traumatic bond between abusers and victims can drive this process. Where a child is both a victim and has been involved in CSE of others, they require an approach to assessment and intervention that has a focus on their trauma and needs. 4.203 In some situations CSE has been continuing within communities , locations or institutions and authorities and the public have not suspected or responded to early signs of abuse. 4.204 The core components of the GIRFEC National Practice Model apply within an effective child protection response to suspected CSE. A Sexual Exploitation Risk Assessment Framework is being reviewed and revised (Barnardo’s, Scotland 2020). Child Protection Committees must oversee relevant local inter-agency procedures and assessment frameworks. 4.205 The National Action Plan to prevent and Tackle Child Sexual Exploitation, published in 2016, set out the Scottish Government’s plan to tackle the issue of child sexual exploitation. It focuses on prevention of abuse, prosecution, and supporting children and young people affected by child sexual exploitation. A Report on the Delivery of the Action Plan w as published in 2020. 4.206 A practice insight on this topic has been drafted to illustrate and explain key practice considerations, offer a resource, prompt reflection and signpost selected sources. It can be found in the Practice Insights supporting document alongside this Guidance. Resources and References – Child sexual exploitation