I am committed to supporting victims of modern slavery to help them recover from their exploitation and to support the prosecution of their exploiters. There is also a clear duty on the Government to safeguard and protect child victims of that appalling abuse.
I am encouraged individuals responsible for supporting child victims are professionals who use their discretion and a trauma-informed approach. I have been assured that they fully understand and appreciate the experience of those children and will ensure that they get the right support and approach to rebuild their lives. Furthermore, I remain incredibly supportive of the work the Home Office is doing, through Independent Child Trafficking Guardians (ICTGs), to support the welfare of child victims.
ICTGs provide an additional source of advice and support for all trafficked children. A key part of the role includes one-to-one support for those children who lack a figure of parental responsibility for them in the UK. The ICTG regional practice co-ordinator works alongside statutory bodies such as the police, social workers and the wider criminal justice system to build a multi-agency approach to the safeguarding of these vulnerable children. It is encouraging that, as of December 2021, the Home Office has rolled out ICTGs in two thirds of local authorities across England and Wales.
It is, however, right that the Government is taking steps, through the Nationality and Borders Bill, to ensure the system is protected from abuse. I therefore welcome the Home Office's decision to put the current statutory guidance related to protection from removal for potential victims of modern slavery on a legislative footing. This will set out where the recovery period (during which time potential victims can access support) and protection from removal may be withheld, specifically on the grounds of public order, improper claims and multiple recovery periods – in specific circumstances.
Of course, it is right that victims of modern slavery should be entitled to certain protections and support to enable their recovery. Any decision to withhold protections from an individual will be balanced with the priority to safeguard vulnerable victims.
22/03/2022