Toolkit to help spot signs of child exploitation

The toolkit will support the free Nightwatch training delivered by Barnardo’s to safeguard children and young people from exploitation by increasing awareness among businesses and services working in the night-time economy.

The toolkit explains what child exploitation is, why businesses should care and what people should do if they have concerns that a child is being exploited.

It includes a checklist for businesses including hotels, licenced venues and taxi drivers to ensure they are fully equipped and knowledgeable about how to spot the signs of exploitation and how to respond to prevent children from being harmed.

Barnardo’s has launched the toolkit ahead of the lockdown easing and the gradual reopening of London’s night-time economy.

Lynn Gradwell, director for Barnardo’s London said: ‘We know from our long expertise as the UK’s largest children’s charity that there is another side to the bustling fun of London’s night-time economy; one sadly where those who seek to harm and exploit children and young people use the hours of darkness as a time to operate.

‘We are all too aware that child exploitation is under-reported and using this toolkit could be the difference between someone coming to harm or receiving the help they need.’

Barnardo’s has provided training to more than 1,000 night-time workers in London including the Met police and Transport for London. It has created a vital network of eyes and ears after dark that will help keep children and young people safe.

Click here to download the toolkit.

Photo Credit – Pixabay