| answer text |
<p>Modern slavery is an umbrella term which includes trafficking, slavery and forced
or compulsory labour.</p><p>The Government is committed to providing all child victims
of modern slavery the support they need by ensuring the effectiveness of the National
Referral Mechanism (NRM). While referrals are made to the NRM – our system for identifying,
supporting and protecting victims, the support they need is provided by Local Authorities
under their safeguarding responsibilities.</p><p>The safety and welfare of all child
victims, irrespective of whether they have experienced slavery and/ or trafficking,
are addressed as the priority. Local authorities are responsible for safeguarding
and promoting the welfare of all children in their area. If a child in the NRM becomes
looked after, they will be entitled to the same level of support and care as all looked
after children regardless of their nationality or immigration status. Local children's
services will work in close co-operation with the police and other statutory agencies
to offer potential child victims of modern slavery the protection and support they
require.</p><p>In addition to this statutory support, the Government has expanded
Independent Child Trafficking Guardians (ICTGs) to one third of local authorities
in England and Wales. ICTGs are an additional source of advice and support for all
potential child victims of modern slavery, irrespective of nationality, and somebody
who can advocate on their behalf.</p><p>In October 2017, the Government announced
an ambitious package of reforms to the NRM. These reforms enable the NRM to deliver
quicker and more certain decision-making that stakeholders and victims have confidence
in; improved support for adult victims before, during and after the NRM; improved
identification of victims; and improved support to child victims of modern slavery.
More information on the NRM reform is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-referral-mechanism-reform/national-referral-mechanism-reform</p>
|
|
