Child Trafficking in Newcastle

Summary

This report presents the findings of a small-scale qualitative study to find out: first, whether there have been any confirmed or suspected cases of child trafficking in Newcastle; second, the levels of awareness of child trafficking; and third, how children’s social services and other relevant agencies have responded to such cases. Children’s social services and other agencies in Newcastle identified 16 children and young people as possibly having been trafficked. These children and young people were suspected of being exploited in a number of ways. A major concern about these children and young people is that the vast majority – 13 out of 16 – have gone missing while under the care of children’s social services. Concerns were also raised during the research about vulnerable children in private fostering arrangements, where abuse has taken place.

There are a range of very positive developments in Newcastle to increase awareness and identification of victims of suspected child trafficking.