What can you do to help?

Child exploitation is everyone’s responsibility. However, the way in which we reduce and end it will depend on whether you're a parent, professional, carer or guardian.

We understand that this task is impossible without the help and support of the community and public. We're all members of our own communities, and there's a lot you can do personally to help us, such as:

  • Have an honest conversation with the child in your care – get to know them, who their friends are, their interests, hobbies, why they're feeling like they need to leave the house, where they're going. Are there steps you can take to prevent it from escalating?

  • Speak to your local school or education provision to raise your concerns. You can ask to specifically speak to the DSL (designated safeguarding lead) who will be able to help.

  • Report your concerns directly to Shropshire Children’s Services COMPASS who will be able to give you further information and take action if they agree.

  • Share intelligence regarding criminal activity and concerns around child exploitation directly with West Mercia Police. You can do this via calling 101, or by getting in touch online. You can also submit intelligence directly to Crime Stoppers
  • Get to know your local Safer Neighbourhood Team (police) – every area is covered by a small team who will be able to coordinate bigger issues
  • Report suspicious activity: adults, vehicles, drug dealing or use, to the police via 101 or via their website (see above)
  • Most importantly, get to know the young people in your community. Young people consistently report feeling ostracised by their community. Can you advocate for safe spaces for young people? Sport activities? Become a trusted adult or improve community provisions for them?

Will my child be in trouble?

We will first and foremost recognise children as victims of their circumstance, and we don't want to criminalise, shame or disengage young people from services that can support them.

If your child commits an offence, depending on the circumstances, they may be given a court date by the police, or referred to Shropshire’s Joint Decision Making Panel (JDMP). This panel will give due consideration and will decide whether the matter can be dealt with using an 'out of court disposal' (OOCD) or needs referring to court.

For children involved in exploitation, you may be informed that we'll be making a request to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). This essentially is a formal request to see if the 'single competent authority', which is part of the government Home Office, will formally recognise the child as being a victim of modern slavery.

The NRM isn't currently a quick process, but is one that takes due care and attention to reach a decision, so please be aware that we have little influence over the length of time this takes.

For adults, consent is needed. Further guidance can be found on the Gov.UK website.

Most importantly, please understand that we want to help.