PSNI & Barnardo's NI Join Forces To Protect Children

In a jointly funded pilot project a Barnardo's worker will be based in Willowfield Police Station in east Belfast, to work alongside the PSNI Public Protection Unit. The Barnardo's worker will provide early intervention for young people who are reported to the PSNI as going missing or where there are other concerns or indications of sexual exploitation.

It is is the first time a joint approach has been introduced in Northern Ireland and it is jointly funded by Barnardo's and the Asset Recovery Incentive Scheme.

Jacqui Montgomery-Devlin from Barnardo's NI said: "Child sexual exploitation is a very harmful and very hidden problem. It is the exploitation of children below the age of consent by predatory adults. Recent research by Barnardo's NI has shown that two thirds of young girls in care are particularly vulnerable and one in seven 16 year olds out of a survey of 700 who Barnardo's interviewed, indicated an adult had approached them and attempted to groom them.

"This joint initiative with the PSNI will help us reach young epopel who are vulnerable to sexual exploitation at a much earlier stage. By having our worker based in the police station we will be able to take aation and support our colleagues in the PSNI as soon as there are reports of any concerns around a young person."

Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton from the PSNI said: "The protection of children and vulnerable adults is a core police function. PSNI are pleased to announce that money seized from criminals under the Assets Recovery Incentivisation Scheme is helping fund this innovative initiative. As over 50% of victims of sexual offences in 2011 were under 18 years of age, it was critically important that we reviewed the service beign provided to these young people to ensure their needs were being met."

The pilot project will run until March 2014 when it is hoped it will be extended.