Lin Sands (NWG Police and Justice Lead) facilitated the 2nd Police & Justice Forum for 2023 on 17th April 2023. She was happy to welcome back, Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Grant (Modern Slavery and Child Exploitation (MSCE) Teams, Central Specialist Crime, Metropolitan Police) who was acting as Independent Chair.

The key aims and themes of the forum were to;·

Recognise why children who have been exploited, are highly unlikely to feel safe enough to provide a detailed statement of their abuse and will require us all to take a more creative approach.

· Examine the variety of methods, tools and templates that are available to map the movement of children who are experiencing/at risk of exploitation.

· Understand how to successfully gather the ‘evidence’ that will meet the required standards for Disruption measures to be applied for and to prosecute individuals who exploit children.

· Develop the confidence to work collaboratively with CPS and community partners to reduce, prevent or delay opportunities for individuals to exploit children.

Our speakers;

Jacqui McCann – Independent Trainer /Consultant. Jacqui has a wealth of experience working in and managing children’s homes. She has a range of training and resources to support practitioners to map information relating to children who are at risk of/experiencing exploitation.

Jacqui’s input provided attendees with;· A greater understanding of the importance of working together.· The value of sharing relevant information about children & young adults in care, who regularly go missing and where they are suspected to be exploited· Additional knowledge for practitioners regarding how non-statutory services/family/friends/associates can support actions regarding disrupting abuse/exploitation and add weight to criminal investigations of Modern Slavery.

Nicola (Nikki) Haywood – Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor and Head of the Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit (OCSAU)

Miranda Thornewill – Policy Advisor within VAWG

Lucy Dacey – Senior Policy Advisor for the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit and Policy lead for Child Sexual Abuse unit

Nicola and her colleagues provided a range of examples and advice regarding how the CPS can positively support investigations. In particular, they shared some helpful guidance and advice regarding the following;· The common challenges associated with child testimony, the use of special measures and the impact of unused material/3rd party data for the prosecution and defence.· Practical solutions to support Child Witnesses.· How investigators/practitioners might navigate the challenges of crimes involving Modern Slavery.

In summary

The forum provided practitioners/members with an opportunity to;1. Recognise the complexities surrounding the management of Modern Slavery crimes and the impact it has on victims

2. Appreciate the benefits of early consultation with the CPS.

3. Understand the importance of working collaboratively.

4. Recognise the range of resources/tools/methods available to support gathering evidence of exploitation.

5. Give examples of what can add value to the way children are protected from exploitation.6. Explain the importance of recording information accurately and factually.

6. Explain the importance of recording information accurately and factually.

7. State how background information/opinions may undermine and/or break a case.

Date for your diary – The next forum will be held on 11th July from 1200-1400

The proposed Aim, Theme and Guest Speakers will be announced soon