The child protection paradox model: child sex trafficking in England and Wales

There has been significant progress implementing laws concerning Child Sex Trafficking (CST) in England and Wales. Nevertheless, it is still difficult to guarantee safe outcomes for children and young people (CYP), notwithstanding the abundant and positive work of Social Workers. The Home Office (2022) National Referral Mechanism (NRM) statistics indicate that CST is perhaps the fastest growing form of modern slavery in the UK. The number of CST victims has risen every year and between 2013 and 2021 there has been a rise of over 1206%. By drawing on findings from a qualitative study into Social Workers understanding of CST, this research has identified gaps that restrict Social Workers from recognising, responding, and reporting CST accurately. Social Workers as first responders are legally bound to safeguard children and young people (CYP) and then refer them into the NRM process which offers additional support to potential victims of CST. However, research findings have demonstrated that nonexistence of standalone CST and NRM training has impacted upon Social Workers ability to apply provisions and correct instruments such as the NRM when required to do so by law. As a result of the PhD findings, the Child Protection Paradox Model has been created which rationalises the application of the laws and how child protection (CP) works in accordance with legislation and provisions, highlighting the need to close these gaps.