Concerned a child or young person may be displaying signs of being sexually exploited ? SaySomethingTelford.co.uk
Everybody's responsibility
What do you need to know? First, know that any child or young person can be at risk – it doesn’t just affect those from certain backgrounds or only girls. Second, anyone can be a potential perpetrator. Attempts to groom and exploit children can happen face- to-face or increasingly through social media, and the victim may not even realise they are being exploited. What do I need to do? 1. Be aware of the signs to look out for. 2. Be alert in day-to-day life. Think, does something feel a bit ‘off’? 3. Visit www.SaySomethingTelford.co.uk if you have any concerns child sexual exploitation might be taking place. 4. Report your concerns anonymously on the website, where you can also get more information and support. What happens if I report concerns? All concerns are handled with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality – you can even report your concerns anonymously. When you report concerns, our specialist team made up of social workers, police, health and education professionals will investigate further. Where appropriate, they will take action to support and protect the child.
What helps tackle child sexual exploitation? • Arming yourself with facts so you know how to spot the signs • Taking responsibility to report it if you ever have concerns Some of the signs to look out for • A change in routine, such as staying out late, taking different routes home, leaving for school early, and changes in school attendance • Having unexplained items irrespective of value (eg cigarettes, vapes, phones, alcohol, drugs, food) • Significant changes in behaviour, language and/or appearance • Withdrawal from family or usual friend group • Secretive and excessive mobile and internet use
They say it takes a village to raise a child. Here in Telford and Wrekin, it’s a sentiment that rings true as communities work together to educate, inspire and nurture our Borough’s children and young people, either as professionals in schools or in voluntary roles like club leaders. Even if we're not directly involved in working with young people, we can all help local children grow up happy and safe by committing to look out for them. Telford & Wrekin Council’s Seen something? Say something campaign is calling on you to be aware of the tell-tale signs that child sexual exploitation may be happening. It could be things like a child having unexplained items, even if of low value, or a change in their routine or behaviour. These can be a sign that someone is grooming a child in order to gain sexual gratification. It’s a difficult subject but one which we don’t want to shy away from. By working together, we can protect our Borough’s children from this crime.
“Keeping children and young people safe is the most important thing we do. Our 'Seen Something? Say Something' campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the ‘report concerns’ page on our
Moreatwww.SaySomethingTelford.co.uk
If you’ve Seen something Say something. Your action could stop a Telford and Wrekin child from
dedicated website. It’s so valuable when you report, because it enables our team to identify issues early and take action to stop children from becoming sexually exploited. Protecting our children is everyone’s responsibility, and it will continue to be our top priority.” Councillor Shirley Reynolds Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills.
being sexually exploited. Report concerns at www.SaySomethingTelford.co.uk
TOTALLY TELFORD
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