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<p>In local authorities where the Independent Child Trafficking Advocate (ICTA) service
has been rolled out, all children that are potential victims of trafficking are eligible
for support.</p><p><br>The ICTA service was rolled out in three early adopter sites
in Greater Manchester, Hampshire and Wales in January 2017 with an additional £2m
invested to expand the ICTA provision into West Midlands, East Midlands and Croydon.
This will mean the service will be available in one third of all local authorities
by April 2019.</p><p>Unaccompanied children are looked after by the relevant local
authority and are entitled to the same services as any other looked after child. Under
these arrangements, unaccompanied children will have a professional social worker
and an independent reviewing officer to oversee their care arrangements. All unaccompanied
asylum-seeking children in England are referred to the Refugee Council’s Children’s
Panel and they are also entitled to legal assistance in pursuing their asylum claim.
The Government believes that these arrangements ensure unaccompanied children are
provided with the independent support and advice that they need.</p><p><br>Section
48 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which makes provisions for ICTAs, is being considered
in the Independent Review of the Modern Slavery Act led by Frank Field, Baroness Butler-Sloss
and Maria Miller. The Government will carefully consider any recommendations for the
national rollout of ICTAs which come out of the review.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
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