Meeting the needs of sexually exploited young people in London

Publishers Barnardo, Bridge House Trust Document authors Harper Zoe, Scott Sara Zones UK Type Report / Study / Data Date of publication 2007 Document main thematic Child Protection/ Related Topic Total pages 155

This report presents the findings of a two-year research study mapping the service needs of young people at risk of sexual exploitation in London.The research was commissioned and funded by the Bridge House Trust and carried out by researchers from Barnardo’s Policy and Research Unit between September 2003 and April 2005. The objective of the research was to establish the level and nature of current need for services among young people at risk of sexual exploitation in London.This involved both investigating the nature and extent of sexual exploitation known in London, and exploring the experiences of services and young people, to identify promising practice and gaps in service provision. Data was collected primarily through interviews with over 100 informants including child protection co-ordinators and lead officers for sexual exploitation from 30 London boroughs; representatives from the police, health services and education services; representatives from specialist sexual exploitation services and other voluntary sector services; as well as with young people themselves.