Wolverhampton Council reviewing support for those at risk of exploitation

The council’s adults and safer city scrutiny panel is set to receive a strategy update on the issue next week.

A report to members said: “Exploitation is a form of abuse where someone is forced or coerced into doing things for the benefit of others.

“Exploitation can take many forms, in a range of situations, and can involve many groups of people.

“Modern slavery and human trafficking- having control or ownership over another person and using this power to exploit them.

“Modern slavery can include human trafficking, enslavement, domestic servitude and forced labour.

“There is also sexual exploitation – a form of sexual abuse where people are encouraged, manipulated or forced to participate in sexual acts.

“They may be threatened with violence and may be groomed by offers of affection, money or gifts.

“And criminal exploitation – being forced to take part in criminal activities such as transporting or selling illegal items – for example drugs,” added the report.

“This can involve county lines activities where drug gangs transport drugs to towns and cities along ‘deal lines’.

“Drug trafficking can also be a form of modern slavery and human trafficking if people are forced to travel to take part in the transportation and sale of drugs.

“It can also include ‘cuckooing’, where the person’s home is being used by others without informed consent, including for illegal purposes.”

The report was prepared by Rachel King, the council’s head of children’s services specialist support, and Sandra Ashton Jones, head of adult services for mental health.

A review was carried out in October 2019 to look at how the council and its partners were working together to address all forms of exploitation.

The outcome of the review revealed that work was required across the whole system to improve identification, strengthen pathways of support, increase early intervention work and improve the co-ordination of the partnership response to exploitation.

Key developments since include a new exploitation screening tool, a comprehensive training package for all professionals, a join-up between children and adult services and an early intervention offer of support for low-risk young people.

“In February 2021, a Partnership Exploitation and Missing Hub went live,” added the report.

“The hub brings together professionals from services that have contact with children and adults who are at risk of – or are -being exploited.

The council’s adults and safer city scrutiny panel is set to discuss the matter next Tuesday.