Bucks makes child sexual exploitation promise to youngsters

Organisations including the county council, police and Barnardo’s signed the promise ahead of National CSE Awareness Day on Friday.

It sets out the commitment made by all agencies working with young people to tackle child sexual exploitation through a three-pronged approach:

> Prevent CSE from happening and stop existing CSE from continuing.

> Protect those who are at risk of, or who are victims of, CSE.

> Pursue the perpetrators of CSE and support victims to safely disclose abuse.

Fran Gosling-Thomas, Chair of the Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board said: “We want to send a strong message to our children and young people that child protection agencies in Buckinghamshire are determined to do everything possible to stop the appalling crime that is child sexual exploitation.

“The Promise our partners are all signing supports our countywide strategy for tackling exploitation. We all have an absolute focus on working together in partnership to stamp out CSE, raise awareness of the signs that a child or young person is being sexually exploited, and support victims to rebuild their lives.”

> If you are concerned about a young person you can contact the First Response Team on 0845 460 0001.

> The ‘R-U-Safe?’ service for young people is available to text on 07546 075 638.