Written question asked by Jimmy Wray (Labour) on Monday, 28 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 May 2003. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 May 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what specialist assistance is available for child victims of trafficking for exploitation; what plans he has to ensure that social services staff have training on child trafficking; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what specialist assistance is available for child victims of trafficking for exploitation; what plans he has to ensure that social services staff have training on child trafficking; and if he will make a statement. [110787] Jacqui Smith: The provision of assistance and support to child victims of trafficking should be secured by local statutory services in response to identified needs, whether provided directly or through specialist agencies. The relevant statutory agencies include the immigration service, the police, social services and health, which, collectively, have the responsibility to safeguard and protect the health and welfare of vulnerable children and to prevent and detect crimes against them. The National Occupational Standards for Social Work were published by the training organisation for personal social services in 2002. The occupational standards describe the skills and knowledge social workers need in the area of child protection. It is for employers to ensure that their staff have these skills.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 110787; 404 c655W;404 c648W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Children Human trafficking Protection Training Victims Social services
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk