The Welsh Government has launched the All-Wales National Action Plan to Tackle Child Sexual Exploitation – a comprehensive framework through which safeguarding partners “will demonstrate co-ordinated and cross-agency action to prevent and protect children from abuse and sexual exploitation”.
The Plan sets out minimum standards which the safeguarding children boards and partner agencies will work collectively and individually towards, to prevent and protect children and young people from sexual exploitation.
Partner agencies will also provide “responsive, appropriate and consistent support” to children identified as victims of, or at risk of, child sexual exploitation (CSE) – and the Plan will also contribute to the identification of the perpetrators of CSE.
Welsh Assembly Minister for Health and Social Services Mark Drakeford said:
“Child sexual exploitation is child abuse and a criminal act. Tackling this form of abuse is a priority for this government and requires co-ordinated action from everyone involved in safeguarding.
“This new national plan sets out what we expect agencies to do to prevent and protect children from sexual exploitation and to identify and prosecute perpetrators.
“The development of a national action plan does not mean work stops – this is just the beginning. We continue to work together to protect our children and young people,” said Professor Drakeford.
The plan has been produced in partnership with Wales’ police and crime commissioners, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, police forces, the National Offender Management Service in Wales, the Youth Justice Board Cymru, Wales Community Rehabilitation Company, health boards, the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales, the third sector and local authorities.
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