Charity Calls For Strategy On Reducing Exploitation

Barnado’s calls for the government to outline its plans to cut child abuse and exploitation of youngsters have been welcomed by an expert at Irwin Mitchell.

The charity has urged children’s minister Tim Loughton to produce and begin to implement a national strategy on reducing child abuse by January next year, with a focus being maintained on ensuring social workers can spot signs of exploitation and tackle it.

In addition, the organisation has called for councils to make cutting such problems a priority and police forces to better their responses to cases of abuse in order to improve prosecutions.

Tim Loughton has since responded to the demands from Barnado’s, stating that a plan of action is set to be announced by the government in the summer.

Irwin Mitchell represents a number of people who have suffered both physically and psychologically as a result of abuse, helping them secure the support they need to rebuild their lives after tragic and traumatic child abuse and neglect.

Tracey Storey, a Partner at the firm’s London office who specialises in child abuse cases, said: “Systems which provide vital assurances that all children will be protected from harm need to be put in place.

“It is welcome that Barnardo’s has put a spotlight on the issue and also that Mr Laughton has responded to it. However, it is vital that a clear and concise action plan on how child abuse will be tackled is announced and actioned as soon as possible.

“I also hope that the government backs the proposals by ensuring that spending on children’s services is ring fenced, so that lessons can be learnt from past mistakes and the highest standards in child protection and social care can be provided across England and Wales.”

If you or a loved one has been the victim of child abuse, our expert child abuse lawyers will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim. Call 0370 150 100 to talk confidentially to someone about making a claim or visit our Abuse & Criminal Injury Claims page for more information.