A service which aims to combat child sex exploitation in Scotland is being expanded.
After a successful programme in Aberdeen and Dundee, Police Scotland and Barnardo’s Scotland are extending their working relationship into Fife and Glasgow.
The aim of the new Rise (Reducing the Impact of Sexual Exploitation) services is to reach, protect and support children and young people who are at risk of child sex exploitation (CSE).
CSE advisors from the charity’s Rise service will support Police Scotland’s officers by improving their support to those under the age of 18.
Detective Superintendent Elaine Galbraith, head of child protection for the force, said: “Developing staff across all organisations to understand, recognise and act if they suspect a child is being sexually abused and/or exploited is a key factor in that early intervention and this has been such a positive feature of the work of the CSE advisors in Dundee and Aberdeen.”
Daljeet Dagon, Barnardo’s Scotland’s national programme manager for CSE, added: “Having CSE advisors co-located within police divisions, and embedded within local child protection arrangements, will help ensure that the right systems and supports are in place which identify and respond to child sexual exploitation and improve outcomes for vulnerable and at risk children and young people.”
For more information about identifying the signs of CSE, support or any further information visit the Police Scotland website.
