A seminar held at Manchester Town Hall on Monday, June 2, saw leading figures from a range of agencies looking at how they can work together to tackle the growing problem.
The Trafficking of Children and Young Adults Seminar was staged by the Government Office North West Regional Safeguarding Strategy Board, alongside the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, the Regional Strategic Migration Partnership and UK Borders Agency.
The event looked to raise awareness and understanding of national initiatives among professionals. And organisers say it will also lead to closer multi-agency working, while identifying new strategies and approaches to help defeat child trafficking in the region.
Fran Gosling-Thomas, Chair of the GONW Regional Safeguarding Strategy Board, said: "This is a real opportunity to raise awareness, build a common understanding of the issues and to share emerging best practice. It is very evident that unless local agencies know what to look for, then it is very easy for these vulnerable children and young people to remain hidden and at risk."
The seminar looked closely at specific issues such as child sexual exploitation, forced marriages, avoidable child deaths and gun and gang crime.
Many local authorities across the region - including Manchester, Oldham, Blackpool, Blackburn with Darwen, Rochdale, Tameside and Bolton - are already actively engaged in addressing the issues.
Pauline Newman, Director of Children's Services at Manchester City Council and a speaker at the event, said: "The exploitation of children and young adults by trafficking is a cruel and shocking trade. It is vital that all agencies that work with children have the skills and training to recognise when this abuse is happening and are confident and supported enough to take the appropriate action."
