The TSCP will promote a culture whereby nobody tolerates or ignores trafficking or exploitation in any form, and where communities, families and all professionals in Torbay are prepared and understand how to identify, report and prevent harm to children.
We will target, tackle, and bring to justice those who exploit children.
The TSCP does not see this as a police only responsibility, and we will seek to utilise any opportunity to disrupt and bring to justice those who exploit children.
Exploitation Strategy 2021 - 2024
Children can go missing for a variety of reasons, and in most instances they return home safely. In some cases, children might run away because of family issues or conflict with parents and carers. Sometimes children run away to escape abuse or rejection. Sometimes problems at school can be the cause for children to go missing. Sometimes children are not running away but running to somewhere, for example, in cases of child exploitation.
If you are worried that a child is missing you should report them to the Police on 101.
If you believe a child is missing or is at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police as a matter of urgency on 999
The Partnership hold regular meetings about children who go missing from home or care. Sometimes, where a child is repeatedly missing or the risk is believed to be significant, a multi agency strategy will be held.
Published March 2022
As a professional if you require more information regarding the types of meetings held for children who go missing, please contact missingteam@torbay.gov.uk
For every child who lives in Torbay after a missing episode they will be offered an independent Return Home Interview by The Children Society Checkpoint Team.
Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology. (Home Office 2017)
Child sexual exploitation: definition and guide for practitioners - GOV.UK
For further information on child sexual exploitation please visit the NSPCC website.
Torbay are proud to be working with Barnardo's. Children who have been identified as vulnerable to or have been sexually exploited can be referred to Barnardo's by the practitioners working with them.
Child criminal exploitation is common in county lines and occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. Child criminal exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.
Criminal exploitation of children is broader than just county lines, and includes for instance children forced to work on cannabis farms or to commit theft. (Home Office 2020)
For further information on child criminal exploitation please visit The Children's Society website and the NSPCC website.
If any Professionals within our Partnership have concerns relating to a child going missing or any type of child exploitation then please complete an Exploitation Toolkit. Please refer to the Practice Guidance at the beginning of the toolkit regarding consent and referral pathways.
Child Exploitation Toolkit to be completed by Professionals
A Multi Agency and Child Exploitation Forum (MACE) is held regularly in Torbay. This is a multi agency meeting where information regarding locations or individuals of concern are discussed for the purposes of safeguarding children and families in the community. To refer locations or individuals of concern please complete the following MACE Referral Form and email securely to Torbay missingteam@torbay.gov.uk
Professional referral form for MACE
As well as threats to the welfare of children from within their families, children may be vulnerable to abuse or exploitation from outside their families. These extra-familial threats might arise at school and other educational establishments, from within peer groups, or more widely from within the wider community and/or online. These threats can take a variety of different forms and children can be vulnerable to multiple threats, including: exploitation by criminal gangs and organised crime groups such as county lines; trafficking; online abuse; sexual exploitation... Working Together 2018
Young people form relationships in their neighbourhoods, schools and social media which can be violent and abusive. Parents and carers often have little influence over these contexts, which can undermine parent-child relationships.
Our Partnership has a number of ways in which we are tackling contextual safeguarding concerns for children. If you are concerned about a child or young people in the community please report to the Police on 101 or contact the Torbay MASH for guidance.
The Partner Agency Information Sharing form is available to use on the Devon and Cornwall Police website. Please note that this does not replace safeguarding referrals being made for an individual child or children. This portal is an easily accessible way for our Partners to share information about Vulnerability and Crime.
Any professional who believes a child or adult is vulnerable or being exploited can use this form to provide intelligence or information they think Devon and Cornwall Police should be aware of. If you’ve witnessed something that could be relevant to vulnerability or exploitation do not ignore it, please report it. Intelligence submitted via this form could include a variety of points such as; information about a concerning incident, suspicious activity, an unusual exchange between two or more people or something that makes you feel uncomfortable.
To complete the form, follow this link https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact/contact-forms/partner-agency-information-sharing-form/
