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<p>The Government recognises the devastating impact of exploitation on children. There
are a number of ways that we are tackling these types of exploitation. The Modern
Slavery Act 2015, gives law enforcement agencies the tools to tackle modern slavery,
such as sex trafficking and domestic servitude, including maximum life sentences for
perpetrators and enhanced protection for victims, including children.</p><p>Where
children are found to be potential victims of human trafficking or modern slavery
their safety and welfare are addressed as a priority. Local authorities are responsible
for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in their area, including
child victims of modern slavery.</p><p>In addition to this statutory support, the
Government has rolled out Independent Child Trafficking Guardians (ICTGs) who provide
an additional source of advice and support for all potentially trafficked children,
irrespective of nationality. As of May 2021, ICTGs are available in two thirds of
all local authorities across England and Wales.</p><p>The Government has announced
its intention to review the 2014 Modern Slavery Strategy to consider how we can strengthen
our approach. This will include considering what further measures can be put in place
to reduce the risks of modern slavery exploitation to children.</p><p>On 20 January
the Government announced £40m of dedicated investment for 2021/22 to tackle drugs
supply and county lines, doubling our investment from last year. This includes funding
for the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Orochi, which provides a dedicated taskforce
to tackle county lines activity.</p><p>Since it was launched in November 2019, our
County Lines Programme has already seen more than 780 lines closed, over 5,100 arrests,
£2.9 million in cash and significant quantities of drugs seized, and more than 1,200
vulnerable people safeguarded.</p>
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