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<p>Since 2019, The Home Office has provided £3.9m to the Children’s Society’s Prevention
Programme, which drives targeted action to respond to exploitation. The programme
has reached over 56,000 people and works with 35 police force areas on the #LookCloser
campaign delivered in partnership between The Children’s Society, the National County
Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC) and the British Transport Police (BTP). The #LookCloser
campaign’s focus is on improving public and business sector awareness of exploitation
and abuse, and everyone’s role in spotting and reporting concerns.</p><p>The Government
is also acting quickly to implement mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in England,
which introduces a new legal requirement for those in roles with responsibility for
children to speak out when a child is being sexually abused. Following the conclusion
of a call for evidence over the Summer, and a public consultation, the Government
announced it will introduce mandatory reporting via amendments to the Criminal Justice
Bill. The Government has listened to the voices of victims and survivors and will
deliver deep-rooted change to ensure children are never again so badly let down by
the very institutions that should have protected them.</p><p>If anyone has any concerns
that a child is being exploited, the government strongly encourages them to report
those concerns to the police or to contact the children’s social care team at their
local council. Members of the public can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers,
NSPCC Helpline or ChildLine to discuss their concerns and get confidential advice.</p>
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