Scotland's Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy 2025

Child Trafficking and Exploitation

Child trafficking and exploitation has evolved significantly since the previous Strategy, with changes in the methods and types of exploitation, and the responses needed from police, local safeguarding partners and other key agencies to protect children. We have seen the widespread use of technology and social media creating new avenues for exploitation, as well as a rise in specific types of exploitation – most notably the expansion of ‘county lines’ drug trafficking – intensifying the complexity and impact of this crime (see Annex A for further information on child criminal exploitation). There is also now greater awareness that trafficking and exploitation can, and does, occur both within Scotland and between Scotland and other countries.

In Scotland, the exploitation and trafficking of children is a form of child abuse, requiring a child protection response. The ‘National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 (updated 2023)’ provides a framework for identifying, reporting and responding to child abuse, outlining specific protocols for professionals working with children. This includes guidance on relevant legislation, duties and responsibilities towards child victims of trafficking, recognition of the range of abuse and exploitation associated with child trafficking, and ensuring inter-agency working in cases of concerns about exploitation or trafficking.

The National Guidance for Child Protection also provides advice on the role and working with Independent Child Trafficking Guardians (ICTGs). The statutory ICTG service provides assistance, support and representation to all unaccompanied children who are, or may be, a victim of the offence of human trafficking or who are vulnerable to becoming victims of that offence^[12]. Examples of Guardians’ responsibilities includes providing trafficking support, such as contributing to the safeguarding of the young person and supporting them through the National Referral Mechanism process. Guardians also provide asylum support and help a child or young person to be actively involved in the decisions that affect their life.

Child protection and support for victims of exploitation and trafficking falls within the broader Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) approach to improving outcomes for children and young people. The GIRFEC approach ensures that all children receive the support they need early on and at the time they need it, aiming to prevent issues from escalating to the point where urgent child protection measures are necessary. It highlights the importance of collaborative planning, with services working together to safeguard children’s rights and wellbeing. This approach is in line with public health principles in that it is child centred and rights based and shares a similar objective to prevent harm and promote overall child welfare. Under section 6 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024, public authorities must act in a way that is compatible with UNCRC when exercising relevant functions. This would include, for example, public authority functions under the 2015 Act.

Adopting a public health approach means that all of the principles and outcomes would apply to both adults and children. One example of how a public health approach could enhance current strategies to combat child trafficking and exploitation include further implementation of Contextual Safeguarding^[13]. This approach addresses social environments – such as schools, peer groups, and online spaces – where children are often exposed to risks. Another example is Transitional Support^[14], which focuses on keeping young people safe as they transition to adult services. Maintaining continuity of support during this period helps to reduce vulnerabilities and ensures that preventive measures against exploitation remain consistent and responsive to the person’s evolving needs. As outlined in the Scottish Government JAS paper, ‘Preventing criminal exploitation – social research findings’, both approaches are deeply interconnected to the public health approach in that they focus on preventing exploitation through holistic, supportive, and proactive measures.

Child protection is an inter-agency responsibility that requires strong collaboration between agencies and ongoing efforts to prevent harm or reduce risk. The public health approach is designed to enhance rather than replace existing person-centred processes. By working alongside current interventions, it strengthens prevention efforts and improves partnerships among those involved in protecting and supporting child and adult victims of trafficking and exploitation.