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<p>Independent Child Trafficking Advocates (ICTAs) are an independent source of advice
for trafficked children and somebody who can speak up on their behalf. <br>We have
successfully rolled out ICTAs to one third of all local authorities in England and
Wales, in line with the commitment we made in July last year. Where the service is
available, all children that are potential victims of trafficking are eligible for
support.</p><p><br>The Independent Review of the Modern Slavery Act led by Frank Field,
Baroness Butler-Sloss and Maria Miller has recently considered Section 48 of the Modern
Slavery Act 2015, which makes provisions for ICTAs. The Review’s interim reports can
be found</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/independent-review-of-the-modern-slavery-act#interim-reports"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/independent-review-of-the-modern-slavery-act#interim-reports</a></p><p>The
Government is currently carefully considering the recommendations for ICTAs, and we
remain committed to rolling ICTAs out nationally</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>
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