Paradigm Research Social Research, Evaluation and Consultation

Paradigm Research Social Research, Running fromEvaluation hate to what you thinkand Consultation is love: The relationship between running away and child sexual exploitation

Emilie Smeaton Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and child sexual exploitation

Emilie Smeaton Acknowledgements Contents

Part one: Introduction 7 There are many people to thank for their Thanks to Alison Worsley for her general support 1.1 Definitions used in the research and report 7 contribution and support in completing the action and work to complete this project. It should be 1.2 Setting the context: running away and CSE 8 research addressing the relationship between acknowledged that Alison played a key role in 1.3 The action research study addressing the relationship between running away and CSE 11 running away and child sexual exploitation. developing the evidence-based recommendations. Part two: Firstly, deepest thanks to the young people who Finally, thank you to Comic Relief for funding participated in the research and shared their lives this project. Research findings addressing the relationship between running away and CSE 17 and experiences. Thanks also to the professionals 2.1 Indication of prevalence of both running away and CSE 18 2.2 The relationship between running away and CSE 18 and parents who facilitated young people’s Further information participation in the research. 2.3 Impacts of experiencing running away and CSE 40 For more information about the research, Thank you to all the professionals who contributed please contact: Part three: to the research by sharing their views and [email protected] Diversity and running away and CSE 46 experiences. [email protected] 3.1 Boys and young men 47 Thank you to Dr Myfanwy Franks (Associate, 3.2 Black and minority ethnic (BME) young people 48 Paradigm Research) for the work she carried out on 3.3 Young people with learning disabilities and learning difficulties 54 the second level analysis. 3.4 Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) children and young people 55 Thank you to Alison Worsley (Deputy Director Part four: – Strategy, Barnardo’s), Julie Harris (Assistant Director for Research and Evaluation, Barnardo’s), Professionals and young people’s experiences and views of measures Caroline Paskell (Senior Research and Policy to address running away and CSE 57 Officer, Barnardo’s) and Dr Myfanwy Franks for 4.1 Resource issues 58 acting as ‘critical friends’ and providing feedback 4.2 Factors relating to multi-agency approaches to running away and CSE 61 on the draft report. 4.3 Factors relating to collating and sharing data and information 66 4.4 The need to improve professionals’ awareness and knowledge through training 68 The members of the Research Dissemination Group have provided valuable support and contributions 4.5 Factors relating to the local authority 72 to the project so thank you to: 4.6 Factors relating to the criminal justice system 75 4.7 Factors relating to specialised projects working with young people ■ ■ Joe Apps (Missing Persons Bureau Manager) who experience both running away and CSE 78 ■■ Jane Birkett (Crime Analyst, 4.8 Factors relating to parents and carers of young people who experience Missing Persons Bureau) running away and CSE 79 ■■ Julie Dawber (Targeted Safeguarding 4.9 Factors relating to direct practice with children and young people Team Leader, Department for Education) who experience running away and CSE 82 ■■ Carlene Firmin MBE (Principal Policy Adviser, Office of the Children’s Commissioner Part five: for England) Discussion of the research findings 94 ■■ Dr Sandra Gulyurtlu (Researcher, Office 5.1 Recognising the relationship between running away and CSE 94 of the Children’s Commissioner for England) 5.2 Who does running away and CSE affect? 97 ■■ Charlie Hedges (Manager, Missing, Abducted 5.3 Reaching young people who experience running away and CSE 98 and Kidnapped Children, Child Exploitation and 5.4 Responding to young people who experience running away and CSE 99 Online Protection Centre (CEOP) Part six: ■■ Bina Parma (Specialist Team Member, Recommendations and actions for national and local policy and practice 108 National Working Group) 6.1 Commissioning and funding 108 ■ ■ Nicola Sharp (at the time of membership 6.2 Managing risks 109 of the Research Dissemination Group, Director 6.3 Improving and sharing knowledge and information 114 of Policy and Advocacy, Missing People) 6.4 Roles and responsibilities 115 ■ ■ Natalie Williams (Policy Officer, 6.5 Supporting young people and parents and carers to address running away The Children’s Society) and CSE and move forward into the future 117 6.6 Diversity 119 6.7 Gaps in knowledge 121

4 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 5 Part one: Introduction

Since the 1990s research focused on running running away and CSE in England, which was away, child sexual exploitation (CSE) and funded by Comic Relief. This report presents youth homelessness has documented that an our findings. intrinsic relationship exists between running away and CSE. A review of this research The remainder of this introductory section of literature (Smeaton, 2011)1 reveals that: the report focuses upon the following:

■■ None of the research projects addressing ■■ defining running away and CSE used in the running away have explored the issue of research and the report CSE in depth. A 2009 study (Smeaton, ■■ setting the policy and practice context of 2 2009) exploring the experiences of running away and CSE in England particularly vulnerable and marginalised ■■ providing details of the action research young people who become detached from study addressing the relationship between parents and carers for four weeks or more running away and CSE, including the offers the most in-depth exploration of the research methodology and the consultation relationship between running away and with young people and professionals. CSE. However, these findings cannot be applied to all young people who run away. ■■ While sexual exploitation is experienced by some children and young people who 1.1 run away, research findings suggest that Definitions used in the the majority of young runaways do not research and report experience CSE. ■■ The limited evidence relating to practice 1.1.1 responses to young people who run away Definition of running away suggest that, while there are examples of good practice, because of the challenges The term ‘running away’ is used to describe involved in working with young people young people either leaving home or care, who experience both running away staying away without permission or being and CSE, it can be difficult to achieve forced to leave home by parents and carers. positive outcomes. The term is often used to describe being away ■■ Previous research has started to explore from home or care for one night or more. the relationship between running away and CSE but there is need for research that It is important to note that while some young explicitly explores this relationship. people are reported as missing to the police by parents and carers when they run away, it In recognition of this gap in learning, is not appropriate to use the terms ‘running Barnardo’s and Paradigm Research developed away’ and ‘going missing’ interchangeably. a proposal to undertake an action research study to address the relationship between The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has defined ‘missing’ as3:

1 Smeaton E (2011) A Review of Research Findings Addressing the Relationship between Running Away and Child Sexual Exploitation. Unpublished Paper. 3 Section 5 addresses the Association of Chief Police Officers 2 Smeaton E (2009) Off the Radar: Children and Young People and the College of Policing’s definitions of risk and Living on the Streets in the UK. London: Sandbach. consideration of risk.

6 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 7 Part one: Part one: Introduction Introduction

“Anyone whose whereabouts cannot be for example the persuasion to post sexual provided learning about the effectiveness (Evans et al, 2007)15 of local authorities and established and where the circumstances images on the internet/mobile phones with of interventions with young people who police forces, which demonstrated that there are out of character or the context no immediate payment or gain. In all cases, run away, alongside learning about specific had been inconsistent implementation of suggests the person may be a subject of those exploiting the child/young person subgroups of young runaways and their government guidance to meet the needs of crime or at risk of harm to themselves or have power over them by virtue of their age, experiences. young runaways. another person.” gender, intellect, physical strength and/or (ACPO, 2013; 5)4 economic or other resources.’ Since 2001, following the publication of Still In 2008 the government launched its Young Running (Safe on the Streets Research Team, Runaways Action Plan (DCSF, 2008)16 with There are some factors relating to running (National Working Group for Sexually 1999)9, the Government’s Social Exclusion updated guidance, a review of emergency away that require specific consideration and Exploited Children and Young People, 2008)7 Unit (SEU) produced a consultation report accommodation for young runaways and the appropriate responses as the majority of on young runaways (Social Exclusion Unit, introduction of a national indicator, NI71, young people who run away are not reported 2001)10 and a second publication11 in 2002 monitoring local authorities’ performance as missing to the police (Rees & Lee, 2005; 1.1.3 offering guidance for establishing policy and relating to young people who go missing from Smeaton & Rees, 2005)5. Many young people Definition of child and practice to meet the needs of young runaways. home or care, which was later abolished. who are reported as missing do not fit the Also in 2002, The Department of Health (DH) definition of running away, such as those young person produced guidance relating to children and In 1999 research estimated that 77,000 who are abducted, get lost or are routinely This research addresses running away and young people who go missing from home children ran away for the first time each year reported as missing when returning late to a CSE among children and young people while and care12. The cross-governmental Children and that there were 129,000 incidents of care placement. under the age of 16. In England a child is and Young People’s Unit (CYPU) funded a running away each year (Safe on the Streets defined as ‘anyone who has not yet reached programme of 27 pilot projects to develop Research Team, 1999)17. These estimations their 18th birthday’ (DCSF, 2010)8; and this models of working with young runaways. of prevalence were confirmed by surveys 1.1.2 is also reflected in the definition under the carried out in 2005 and 2011. The 2011 survey Definition of CSE United Nations Convention on the Rights A 2005 survey, Still Running 2 (Rees & Lee, (Rees, 2011)18 found some indication of a of the Child, which the UK ratified in 1991. 2005)13, revealed that despite a range of modest reduction, from around 10 per cent to NWG Network has developed the following Those participating in the research were aged guidance and recommendations to implement 9 per cent, in the proportion of children and definition of CSE, which is also used in 14 and above, and throughout this report we good practice, very little had changed for young people who run away overnight but no government guidance to safeguard children have used the terminology ‘young person’ young people who run away. This survey and evidence of reduction in running away rates and young people from sexual exploitation and ‘young people’ to recognise the particular a second research study (Smeaton & Rees, among children and young people aged 14 to (DCSF, 2009)6: age and vulnerabilities of this group of 2005)14 also revealed that the majority of 15 (Ibid, 36)19. The proportion of children and adolescents, although they are still children. young people are not reported as missing to young people who run away before the age ‘The sexual exploitation of children the police by parents and carers when they of 13 and the proportion of repeat runaways and young people under the age of 18 run away. is comparable to the 1999 and 2005 surveys involves exploitative situations, contexts (Ibid)20. The 2011 survey provided further and relationships where young people 1.2 In 2007 The Children’s Society, with support evidence of the substantial risks and harm (or a third person or persons) receive Setting the context: from the Department for Children, Schools that young runaways face and confirmed ‘something’ (e.g. food, accommodation, running away and CSE and Families (DCSF), conducted a survey previous learning that very few children and drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, young people approach agencies for support money) as a result of performing, and/ when they run away and only a minority are or others performing on them, sexual 1.2.1 reported as missing to the police (Ibid, 37)21. activities. Child sexual exploitation can Young runaways in England 9 Safe on the Streets Research Team (1999) occur through the use of technology Still Running: Children living on the streets in the UK. without the child’s immediate recognition, Research has consistently reported how London: The Children’s Society. children and young people often run away 10 Social Exclusion Unit (2001) Consultation on Young 15 Evans E, Houghton-Brown M & Rees G (2007) Runaways: Background paper by the Social Exclusion Unit. Stepping Up: The Future of Runaways Services. because of family problems, and that young London: The Children’s Society. runaways often face significant risks while London: Cabinet Office. 11 Social Exclusion Unit (2002) Young Runaways: 16 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2008) 4 Association of Chief Police Officers & College of Policing away from home or care. Research has also Young Runaways Action Plan. London: DCSF. (2013) Interim Guidance on the Management, Recording and Report by the Social Exclusion Unit. Investigation of Missing Persons 2013. London: College of London: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. 17 Safe on the Streets Research Team (1999) Policing. 12 Department of Health (2002) Children Missing from Home Still Running: Children living on the streets in the UK. London: The Children’s Society. 5 Rees G & Lee J (2005) Still Running 2.London: The Children’s and Care: A Guide to Good Practice. London: Department Society; and Smeaton E & Rees G (2005) Running Away in 7 http://www.nationalworkinggroup.org/who-we-are/what-is- of Health. 18 Rees G (2011) Still Running 3. London: The Children’s Society. South Yorkshire. London: The Children’s Society. child-sexual-exploitation 13 Rees G & Lee J (2005) Still Running 2. 19 Ibid. 6 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) 8 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2010) The London: The Children’s Society. Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Children Act (1989) Guidance and Regulations Volume 2: Care 20 Ibid. 14 Smeaton E & Rees G (2005) Running Away in South Yorkshire. Exploitation. London: DCSF. Planning, Placement and Case Review. London: DCSF. London: The Children’s Society. 21 Ibid.

8 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 9 Part one: Part one: Introduction Introduction

In June 2012 the All Party Parliamentary Exploitation (DCSF)24 forms supplementary All agencies need to improve their Commissioner for England’s (OCCE) inquiry Group (APPG) for Runaway and Missing guidance on safeguarding and promoting the recognition of this abuse and exploitation, into CSE in gangs and groups found that Children and Adults and the APPG for Looked welfare of children as presented in Working intervening with safeguarding activity at there were 2,409 confirmed victims of CSE After Children and Care Leavers published its Together to Safeguard Children25. In 2011, an early stage. The need for commitment in either gangs or groups during a 14 month Report from the Joint Inquiry Into Children the DfE launched its Tackling Child Sexual to multi-agency work to tackle this issue period from 2010 to 2011 (Berelowitz et al, Who Go Missing From Care22. This report Exploitation: Action Plan26, which built upon encompasses all agencies.’ 2012)34. Barnardo’s worked with 1,185 young made a number of recommendations relating existing guidance and identified a set of (CEOP, 2011; 93)30 people in its sexual exploitation services in to preventative and responsive measures to actions for key agencies to address. In 2012 England in 2011-12, a 19 per cent increase on protect and support young people and ensure the DfE published its progress report against There are a number of factors that make it the previous year. provision of a safety net for young runaways. the action plan27. difficult to estimate the prevalence of CSE including, for example, that the majority of The Department for Education (DfE) is in Government guidance recognises the young people who experience CSE are hidden 1.3 the process of developing guidance for local widespread prevalence of CSE and highlights from public view and are encouraged to be authorities addressing children and young the need for local responses to be set in place: secretive about their meetings and activities The action research study people who run away and go missing from by perpetrators of CSE. Some young people addressing the relationship home or care. The guidance is being updated ‘Every Local Safeguarding Children may not self-identify as being sexually between running away to ensure it is brought up to date and to Board (LSCB) should assume that sexual exploited and therefore do not seek support. incorporate changes in legislation to, for exploitation occurs within its area unless As some professionals and services working and CSE example, care homes and to address learning there is clear evidence to the contrary, and with young people may be unaware of the from recent enquiries addressing running should put in place systems to monitor indicators of CSE, sexually exploited young 1.3.1 away and CSE. prevalence and responses.’ people are not always recognised and recorded Aims of the action reserch (DCSF, 2010; 191)28 at the local level. Different responses to study addressing the assessing their local situation also exacerbate relationship between running 1.2.2 Research published in 2011 by The University the difficulty in estimating the extent of away and CSE CSE in England of Bedfordshire revealed that only a quarter CSE. As noted by The Child Exploitation and of LSCBs in England have implemented Online Protection Centre (CEOP), there is 29 The aims of the project are to: Since the 1990s Barnardo’s and other government guidance (Jago et al, 2011) . no single system for LSCBs to record CSE, organisations have worked to both prevent A 2011 thematic assessment addressing which significantly undermines the possibility ■■ collect data relating to the experiences this abuse and provide support so that localised grooming of children and young of building a national picture of the extent of young people under the age of 16 who 31 sexually exploited children and young people people concluded that most LSCBs do not of CSE . experience both running away and CSE can recover. Alongside this Barnardo’s and provide a local response to CSE and stressed ■■ collect data from practitioners and others have campaigned to raise awareness the need for multi-agency working: However, recent studies have provided some projects working with young people who of CSE and for policy and practice changes indication of prevalence of CSE. A 2005 experience both running away and CSE ‘Most LSCBs do not fulfil the pivotal role research study carried out in London found based on evidence from direct work with ■■ produce an evidence-base that outlines the described for them in statutory guidance young people. 507 individual cases where CSE was known or relationship between running away and in respect of child sexual exploitation. indicated, with a further 1,002 young people CSE and supports recommendations to In 2000 Government guidance for estimated to be at risk across all London 32 support policy and practice responses to Safeguarding Children Involved in boroughs (Harper & Scott, 2005) . A 2011 young people who experience both running 23 24 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) research study found that on one date in 2011, Prostitution (DH/Home Office) emphasised Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual away and CSE the intrinsic need to treat children involved in Exploitation. London: DCSF. 1,065 sexually exploited young people were worked with in nine areas of England (Jago ■■ produce a final report outlining findings, prostitution as victims of abuse. This guidance 25 HM Government (2013) Working Together to Safeguard 33 a summary document and a tool-kit for was reviewed in 2009 and Safeguarding Children: a guide to interagency working to safeguard and et al, 2011) . The Office of the Children’s promote the welfare of children. London: HMSO. practitioners Children and Young People from Sexual 26 Department for Education (2011) Tackling Child Sexual ■■ work with key national agencies to ensure Exploitation: Action Plan. London: DfE. 30 Child Exploitation and Online Protection (2011) Out of Mind, evidence-based findings are incorporated 27 Department for Education (2012) Tackling Child Sexual Out of Sight: Breaking down the barriers to understanding into national policy and practice. Exploitation Action Plan – Progress Report. child sexual exploitation. London: Child Exploitation and 22 All Party Parliamentary Group for Runaway and Missing Online Protection Centre. Children and Adults & All Party Parliamentary Group for 28 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2010) Looked After Children and Care Leavers (2012) Report from Working Together to safeguard children: A guide to 31 Ibid. the Joint Inquiry Into Children Who Go Missing From Care. interagency working. London: DCSF. 32 Harper Z & Scott S (2005) Meeting the Needs of http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/sites/default/files/tcs/u32/ Sexually Exploited Young People in London Boroughs. joint_appg_inquiry_-_report...pdf 18 April 2012. 29 Jago S, Arocha L, Brodie I, Melrose M, Pearce J & Warrington C (2011) What’s Going on to Safeguard London: Barnardo’s. 23 Department of Health/Home Office (2000) Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation? 33 Jago S, Arocha L, Brodie I, Melrose M, Pearce J & Children Involved in Prostitution: Supplementary Guidance to How local partnerships response to child sexual exploitation. Warrington C (2011) What’s Going on to Safeguard Children 34 Berelowitz S, Firmin C Edwards G & Gulyurtlu, S (2012) Working Together to Safeguard Children. London: HMSO. Luton: University of Bedfordshire. and Young People from Sexual Exploitation? How local “I thought I was the only one in the world” The Office of partnerships response to child sexual exploitation. Luton: the Children’s Commissioner’s Inquiry into Child Sexual University of Bedfordshire. Exploitation in Gangs and Groups Interim Report.

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1.3.2 ■■ being sensitive to diversity Characteristics of the young people who Ten young people self-defined as gay, one as Research methodology ■■ being open and transparent participated in the consultation bisexual, one as being uncertain about his sexuality and 29 as heterosexual. ■■ ensuring informed consent and assent There were three elements to the research Forty-one young people participated in the ■■ respecting privacy, confidentiality Seventeen of the young people who methodology for the action research study consultation; of these 25 are female, 15 are and anonymity participated in the research self-defined as addressing the relationship between running male and one is transgender (male to female). ■■ recognising responsibility for the welfare having some form of learning disability or away and CSE: of research participants and others. The age of the young people at their time of difficulty. Four young people described how 1. A consultation with young people who participation in the research is as follows: they had general learning difficulties; nine have experienced both running away The Barnardo’s Research Ethics Committee described themselves as having a Statement and CSE while under the age of 16. This (BREC) also scrutinised and approved the Age of young Number of young of Special Educational Needs (SSEN); two consultation took the form of individual research proposal to ensure: people people as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity semi-structured interviews carried out Disorder (ADHD); one as having ADHD and ■■ openness about the research methods used in an informal manner while following 14 4 Dyslexia; and one as having Dyspraxia. and data gathered a specific line of enquiry, in which the 15 8 young person is placed as storyteller ■■ honesty about interpretation and and the researcher as listener. The aim presentation of the findings 16 8 Accessing young people of the consultation with young people ■■ acknowledgement of the boundaries of 17 9 was to provide a realistic and up-to-date professional competence Of the 41 young people who participated in perspective of running away and CSE ■■ safeguarding young people who 18 7 research interviews, 18 were accessed through and generate data about running away specialist projects addressing running away participated in the research. 19 2 and CSE. and/or CSE. Four young people were accessed 2. A consultation with professionals working 20 2 via a general drop-in project for young males. In order to include a range of experiences in directly with young people who have 1.3.3 21 1 experienced both running away and The consultation with young the research, work was undertaken to reach CSE. This consultation took two forms: Total 41 young people who were not known to services. a survey and telephone interviews with people with experience of Nineteen young people were accessed ‘on the practitioners working within projects running away and CSE while streets’ in a range of locations where young The ethnicity of young people who that support young people who have under the age of 16 people are likely to spend time, such as places participated in the research is as follows: experienced running away and/or CSE. where food was supplied to the homeless The consultation with young people took 3. Development of, and work with, a and parks. the form of semi-structured interviews. In Ethnicity of young Number of young Research Dissemination Group (RDG)35 to some cases young people were involved in people 34 people develop national and local dissemination more than one interview. The interview was strategies to ensure the research findings Bengali 1 Methodological approach to the structured according to the individual young are included in national and local policy consultation with young people person’s experiences and what they were Mixed Asian / White and practice. 2 comfortable discussing. British The consultation with young people took the form of semi-structured interviews presented Mixed Black Interviews focused on: by the researcher in an informal manner Approach to ethics Caribbean / White 3 while focusing upon specific lines of enquiry. ■■ a history of the young person’s life and British However, as no two lines of enquiry were the A robust set of core ethical principles and events and experiences they considered to Roma Traveller 2 same and focused upon individual young values framed the research: be important people’s experiences, there was flexibility Sikh 1 ■■ consulting as widely as possible ■■ experiences of running away and CSE within the interviews for a young person to ■■ facilitating opportunities for participation ■■ what could have prevented them from White British 32 discuss issues that were unique or important experiencing both running away and CSE to them. With young people’s permission, ■■ respecting differing viewpoints Total 41 ■■ their experiences of support seeking a digital recorder was used to record the interview to enable the researcher to fully ■■ recommendations to both prevent and respond to running away and CSE. concentrate upon the young person and 35 The following organisations provided representation on the what they were saying. A narrative approach RDG: Barnardo’s, CEOP, Department for Education, Missing People, NWG Network, Office of the Children’s Commissioner to interviewing was undertaken, which for England (OCCE), Paradigm Research, The Children’s placed young people as ‘storyteller’ and the Society, UK Missing People’s Bureau. 36 Children and young people self-defined their ethnicity.

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researcher as ‘listener’. Young people therefore 1.3.4 Information about projects that Some of the projects work with a significant told the stories of their lives and experiences Consultation with completed a survey questionnaire proportion of young people who have spent and it is through these stories that their time living in care during the past year. For experiences and views are understood. Young Professionals Of the 28 projects that were represented in the example, one project works predominantly people’s stories and experiences are presented survey questionnaire: with Looked After young people while 50 - 60 in the report in their words and accounts of There were two stages to the consultation per cent of another project’s direct work with ■■ 14 projects described themselves as their experiences, which can be challenging with professionals: a survey questionnaire young people is with those who have spent working with young people who experience for the reader but represents the reality of and a telephone interview. Professionals’ time living in care during the past year. Some running away and CSE young people’s experiences of running away participation in the research was sought by projects have not worked with any young and CSE. a number of means. Information about the ■■ 7 projects described themselves as working people who have spent time living in care research and an invitation to participate was with young people who run away during the past year and others are working presented in the NWG Network’s newsletter, A grounded theory approach was adopted ■■ 7 projects described themselves as working with very low numbers who have lived in care which was sent to a membership of more than where the theory is grounded in the data so with young people who experience, or are during the past year (5 - 10 per cent of the 500 professionals. A number of children’s that general small-scale theories represent at risk of, CSE. project’s caseload). what is taking place in young people’s lives. charities supported the process of recruiting professionals from projects across England, There were two stages of analysis: the first The majority of the 28 projects are based and individual projects working with young stage was a thematic analysis of each young in the voluntary sector, with two projects Telephone interviews with professionals people who experience running away and/ person’s story and the second stage was describing themselves as a voluntary sector or CSE were also contacted and invited to undertaken using Atlas.ti, a qualitative project based within the statutory sector. The second stage of the consultation with analysis software programme, to identify participate in the research. professionals was telephone interviews with themes and issues and make comparisons While the majority of projects work with 27 professionals who work with young people across the data. young people under the age of 18, four who experience both running away and CSE. The survey questionnaire projects work with young people under the These professionals had a variety of roles age of 21, one project works with young including: programme managers, project The first stage of the consultation was a Responding to needs raised through the people under the age of 14, and another with managers/co-ordinators, senior practitioners survey questionnaire using Survey Monkey, research process under 16s. and project support workers. which was completed by professionals from 28 projects. The survey questionnaires covered a Eleven of the young people who were accessed Fourteen of the projects have existed for more The telephone interviews focused upon a range of issues relating to running away and via the streets were not receiving support than 10 years with a further five projects range of issues in-depth including some of the CSE including: to meet their needs at the time of their having been in existence for five to 10 years. issues addressed in the survey questionnaire. participation in the research, and work was ■■ the nature of the relationship between One project has existed for up to six months Professionals’ experiences of working with undertaken with all of these young people running away and CSE and the other projects have been in existence diversity in relation to running away and CSE to link them to support services. Two young ■■ identification of factors that facilitate for one to three years. was considered alongside identification of people who were not receiving support and projects’ work with young people who what would further support professionals and were aged 18 or older at the time of their experience both running away and CSE The majority of projects (18) serve urban areas projects to meet the needs of young people participation in the research chose not to with 11 projects covering suburban areas. who experience both running away and CSE. ■■ identification of factors that hinder have support set in place for them. However, Only three projects serve rural areas. Six of Professionals were also given the opportunity projects’ work with young people who agreement was reached with these young the projects cover a range of geographical to raise and discuss any other issues relating experience both running away and CSE people that if they were to change their areas. Projects are also working with young to running away and CSE that they considered mind in the future, the researcher would ■■ identification of groups of young people people from outside the area they cover and to be of importance. As with the consultation facilitate their access to support. In some of who experience both running away and continue to work with young people when with young people, two stages of analysis were the interviews with young people who were CSE that projects find difficult to engage they move out of area. There were significant undertaken to identify themes and issues. accessed via projects, young people raised ■■ gaps in national and local policy to meet differences in the numbers of young people issues for which they were not receiving the needs of young people who experience projects are able to work with. For example, support and, with the young person’s both running away and CSE while one project received and worked with permission, the researcher liaised with ■■ gaps in national and local practice to meet 92 referrals in a six month period, one project project staff to ensure appropriate support the needs of young people who experience carried out direct work with four young was set in place. both running away and CSE. people during the same time period. Another project directly supported 112 young people in the past year while another directly supported 42 young people.

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This section of the report presents the opinion about what he thought he should be experiences of young people who were under able to do as a young person and what his the age of 16 at the time of running away parents thought was appropriate. He started and being sexually exploited. It should be to run away, staying away for a number recognised that where CSE features or there of nights, attending parties and drinking is risk of CSE, support should be set in place alcohol and taking drugs. Ben and a female for young people aged 18 and under and friend met a number of men at these parties that these young people are children who who passed Ben’s phone number around and have been abused by adults. This section Ben and his friend became well known among of the report starts with Ben’s story, which groups of men: highlights how a young person’s experiences of early abuse can act as a precursor to ‘We’d get phone calls from men we knew and involvement in running away and CSE, and met before but also men that had heard about also lead a young person to normalise sexual us that we hadn’t met. They’d say “come to a exploitation. All of the young people’s stories party”. Sometimes they’d come and pick us up are in their words; this can be challenging in some fancy car. There’d always be lots of for the reader but it represents the reality of alcohol and drugs. We knew we’d be expected young people’s lives. to do something [sexual] with the men but we just got wasted and got on with it. We knew why they were inviting us but we liked Ben’s story the drink and drugs and were having a good time. It also made us feel wanted and popular Ben described how his family history of and we liked that. … Sometimes it was quite intergenerational abuse influenced the a big party with lots of younger people there direction in which his life developed and but sometimes we’d get a call saying there played a part in him ending up living on was a party and turn up and we’d be the only the streets. When Ben was five, he was two young people there.’ raped regularly by an adult babysitter who also abused Ben’s cousin and other young When Ben was 15 he ran away from home for children. Sometimes Ben would offer himself a final time and lived on the streets. Ben sold to the perpetrator to prevent him from sex to survive: abusing Ben’s cousin. The perpetrator started to pass Ben on to other men. Eventually the ‘Then I started working outright as a ho perpetrator was prosecuted and served a [whore] and working out on the streets … to prison sentence. Ben experienced further pay my bills and that. … We [Ben and his two sexual exploitation from the age of 11 friends] were just like “we need some fucking and, at the age of 14, started cottaging and money”. We were bored of being skint. We charging men for sex. At this point, Ben was thought “well, X Road [a well-known red light experiencing a lot of conflict with his parents area] is only ten minutes away, shall we just relating to boundaries and differences of fuck it and go?” and it just went from there:

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we started working [selling sex]. It was good with experience both running away and CSE, which can be framed in the context of Professionals working with young runaways quick money. I didn’t mind it. I didn’t think CSE. Some of these projects do not record push and pull factors: stressed the importance of recognising that, giving head for ten minutes for forty quid was information about running away so were while many young people who experience CSE that bad; it didn’t bother me.’ not able to provide figures relating to ‘One of the push factors coming from do run away, not all young people who run what proportion of the young people they within the family home or the home the away experience CSE. While still 15 and away from home, Ben sublet work with experience both running away child was living in could be about domestic a flat from a cousin and started selling sex and CSE. abuse, sexual abuse or just general A sole focus upon CSE can lead to a lack of from the flat: ■■ Projects with a focus upon working with unhappiness, typical teenage angst, trying prioritisation of young people who run away young people who run away report that to push back parental boundaries. So we but do not experience CSE and, also, to them ‘We were just well known, we were real well between 11 - 12.5 per cent of young people consider the pushes that might encourage being viewed as a problem and their needs not known. A number of people had our numbers. they work with experience both running the young person to run and then we look being addressed: More and more people had our numbers and away and CSE. Some of these projects at the pulls: that will be where the outside were coming to see us.’ do not record information about sexual factors that encourage the young person to ‘There are many children who run away exploitation so were not able to provide run. For instance, when the young person to escape abuse at home, to escape really Ben then describes how he started to run the figures relating to what proportion of the is being groomed or invited to parties. … horrible situations … who end up getting flat as a brothel: young people they work with experience Inside the home parents are saying they involved in serious situations but it’s not both running away and CSE. can’t go but outside [the home] the pull is about child sexual exploitation. They end ‘It was with these two friends I’d been selling much stronger.’ up not getting seen as being at risk or ■■ Projects with a focus upon working with sex on the streets with and we got these two as victims of crime. They are seen as not young people who experience running older girls coming to work with us. We put Other professionals view running away and engaging, putting themselves at risk and away and/or CSE report that anywhere a red light in the window and people used to CSE as being intrinsically linked: basically deserving the consequences.’ between 50 - 90 per cent of their caseload just come or ring up and knock on the door experience both running away and CSE. and let themselves in. It was people we knew ‘I always explain the link [between running A few professionals highlighted that, possibly from selling sex on the streets and people away and CSE] as a chicken and egg as due to all the media attention upon CSE used to refer us to other people. It was like: I have heard various stories from young and the fear of not being seen to respond to “are you wanting some fun tonight? … Well, 2.2 people, which begs the question: which a young person who has experienced CSE, go to this place”.’ The relationship between comes first? Some young people have issues local authorities do not take running away as that cause them to run away which, in turn, seriously as they should be doing: At the time of participating in the research running away and CSE makes them vulnerable to exploitation. interview, Ben was working as a sex worker Others are vulnerable to exploitation due ‘It’s a case of getting the authorities to take All of the professionals who participated selling sex from his home. to low self-esteem, often caused by issues at the missing/running away side of things in the research identified that there is an home, which led to running away.’ as seriously as well but … it seems the important relationship between running missing/running away has been brushed away and CSE. Professionals stressed the The relationship between running away and over by the national agenda.’ 2.1 importance of recognising that there is no CSE can change with the model of CSE: Indication of prevalence of single link between running away and sexual exploitation but identified that there are a ‘There is definitely a link between running both running away and CSE number of factors, including bereavement or 2.2.1 away and CSE when it is the more other loss, social issues relating to the family CSE following running away While the research is not able to provide exact traditional boyfriend model. … What we and a history of abuse, which leads to a young representation of the extent of running away saw historically was young women running person experiencing both running away and Section 2.2.1 outlines the relationship between and CSE among young people under the away for periods of time, be it a night or a sexual exploitation: running away and CSE where a young person age of 16, it is able to give some indication couple of nights or a week, when they were starts to experience running away prior to of prevalence. The survey questionnaire being exploited then [during the running ‘These issues [running away and CSE] that CSE, and the relationship between running completed by project staff working directly away episode]. … They were running to happen in young people’s lives are linked away and CSE can take the following forms: with young people who experience running be with their boyfriends and they were to so many other problems [such as] drugs away and/or CSE revealed differences in the being kept in flats or houses with their ■■ CSE as a risk of running away and alcohol, homelessness, domestic abuse, proportions of young people who experience partner, or partners, whereas the party ■■ CSE takes place after a young person family breakdown, bereavement, just to both running away and CSE: lifestyle takes place in the park and on the spends time living on the streets name a few.’ streets and then the girls are going home ■■ Projects with a focus upon working ■■ CSE as a survival strategy of running away after that.’ with sexually exploited young people There were differences in how professionals ■■ perpetrators exploiting the vulnerability of reported that anywhere between 25 - 57 viewed this relationship. Some professionals young people per cent of the young people they work identified running away as an indicator of

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■■ CSE as experienced after a young person ‘It was horrible. … The staff, the rules, the Many of the young people described how couldn’t get it open. The windows were all runs away and spends time with friends kids. It was like a prison.’ running away can unintentionally lead blacked out so I couldn’t do anything.’ who are involved in sexual exploitation a young person to experience sexual ■■ young people running away to attend Lily experienced sexual exploitation on a exploitation. Jasmine’s experience is a stark Jasmine experienced further running away parties with older men. number of occasions when she ran away from reminder of how this can happen as she was and CSE but was referred to a specialist CSE children’s homes. On one occasion, Lily’s locked in a room for two weeks and raped project and has received long-term support to friend persuaded Lily to run away with her to daily by 15 men: enable her to move on with her life. CSE as a risk of running away spend time with a male who was unknown to Lily. This male lived with his mother and did Jasmine started to run away when she was 11 not want her to know that Lily and her friend Professionals identified that sexual because she was so unhappy living with her were with him in his bedroom: Living on the streets and experiencing exploitation is a serious and likely risk of aunt and cousins. On one occasion, when still CSE after running away running away and that running away renders 11, Jasmine ran away and was taken by an ‘He did [sexual] stuff to me as well. … And, young people vulnerable to CSE: older female friend to a male’s house. There that time, I really wanted to go home [to the For a small number of young people there was were a number of men present who offered children’s home] and I just wanted to turn a quick transition from making the decision ‘We work with children and young people Jasmine alcohol: whose lives are on the edge and whose me phone on and ring the home and be like to run away and finding themselves living “will you come and get me?” but I couldn’t; on the streets which, in turn, led to them behaviours are often very difficult for ‘I was getting more and more drunk ‘cos, I couldn’t move. And then I thought “I’ll get experiencing sexual exploitation: parents and carers and professionals to them days, I was drinking to just forget up and I’ll run downstairs to his mum and manage. And one of the behaviours is everything and all of the time I was meeting say look, I’m going home” but I couldn’t; I running away … and in our experience, and more and more people [who were] coming After running away from home and finding couldn’t do anything.’ we’ve been working with these children for to the house … and I started to feel a bit iffy herself alone on the streets, Leanne survived seventeen years, when a child is missing and everything … and I started to get more by becoming involved with a group of Lily described another incident where she ran and someone is concealing them … then and more paranoid. And when I was going homeless adults: away and experienced sexual exploitation: there’s going to be a real risk of sexual to leave, I dunno, something happened and I exploitation. It’s only a matter of time ended upstairs just getting raped. And what ‘It was like one big family. … We [Leanne and ‘I was just walking out [after running away] before the person who’s hiding them needs happened is I tried to go and couldn’t go and another young person] were like the babies of and someone … shouted “oi, come up here and something in return or requests something my friend was gone. … I tried to scream and the group so everyone was around us making I’ll give you some free drink” or something in return and, in our experience, that is that but they [the men who raped Jasmine] sure we were alright and that.’ and I don’t know, I don’t what it is but you usually sex.’ wouldn’t let me and then I felt something in just go [to be with the person who has offered my arm and the next minute I was knocked While a number of the homeless adults were the free alcohol] and I don’t know why. … Young people recognise that the relationship out. And I woke up feeling drowsy and I was caring and protective towards Leanne, she What happened that time was like it was a between running away and CSE is such hurting; all down there [around Jasmine’s was sexually exploited by a number of males house share and I sort of knew one of them that, through running away, they can find vagina] I was really hurting. And I was in the who used some of the homeless community to [who lived in the shared house] and I didn’t themselves in dangerous situations and bedroom with no clothes on and, I dunno like, gain access to Leanne. know this other person. This person [the one environments where they experience CSE: I just didn’t have any energy to go, move or that Lily sort of knew] got me really drunk anything. … I didn’t know what to do really. until the point that you don’t know what ‘If I hadn’t left home then the things that And one of the lads came in and gave me some Being sexually exploited can result in young you’re doing and after he did whatever he happened to me wouldn’t have happened food and I asked him what was going on like people being rejected from the homeless did to me, we went into this like communal because I would have been in a safe … and he just laughed and closed the door community and becoming increasingly living room and I fell all over the settee and environment. … If you leave home and and locked the door. And I couldn’t even touch isolated, which exacerbates the risks they face: then it got really serious because then the spend time in dangerous places it is more the food that he made me. … When I stood other guy [who Lily did not know at all] came likely that you are going to get raped up, my legs were all numb and in pain and Sadie was sexually abused from being a in and he was twenty-five and the guy I was and more likely that you are going to get that. … And later that day … this lad came young child by her stepfather and was with was like “get out now” to me but this sexually exploited.’ up the stairs and let himself on to me and sexually exploited by a group of older other guy was like “oh no, she’s staying with they [the other men] all just kept doing that boys in the local area. When her Nigerian me”. … Because you’re bladdered you can’t Lily’s experiences highlight how a young and I couldn’t move and my legs and all that family found out that she had been having move or get out and then [after further sexual person can be exploited when they run away: were numb and I just couldn’t move. … I did sex with a number of white boys her loving assault has taken place] you’re like “oh my try and crawl out of the bed and that - I did family circumstances changed and her god, oh my god” but still you can’t move and fall over a few times - and I did try and get stepfather became very strict with her while Lily started to run away because she did not you’re just laid there going “oh my god”. … It through the [bedroom] door but it was locked continuing to sexually abuse her. Sadie was like living in the children’s home: happened a lot that stuff.’ from the outside and I was only a kid and not allowed out of home after school and at

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weekends. Sadie started to run away when groomer already has a head start. It’s very who is going to groom a young person, When Fay was 12 her mother started she had chance, spending time with other easy for the groomer to say “your family then a runaway is an easy target because throwing her out of home. Fay was very young people in the city centre and parks, don’t care but I do. It’s best to just leave they already feel that they can’t talk to confused by her mother’s behaviour and sometimes staying away overnight with them and cut yourself off from them”.’ their own family or that they [their family] didn’t know what to do when her mother adults from the homeless population. Sadie are looking for perfection or whatever. So threw her out. Sometimes Fay was able to began exchanging sex with adult men in the Professionals described how many young they are going to be easy prey for someone stay the night with a friend but this was not homeless community for alcohol and drugs. people who run away do not foresee that they who is offering so-called love, affection always possible. One evening, with nowhere This made her unpopular with some of the may experience sexual exploitation. But being and attention.’ to go, Fay sat on a swing in the local park women within the homeless community involved in sexual exploitation becomes a worrying about what she was going to do. who seriously assaulted Sadie. One of the survival strategy and something that they Young people described how adults recognised A man who lived in the local area sat on the men from the homeless community who was have to do in order to get a roof over their that they were in a difficult situation and swing next to Fay: exploiting Sadie asked her to leave the local head and a meal. Professionals commented targeted them for sexual exploitation: area with him. Sadie was fed up with the that often young people would not consider ‘He asked me if I was alright. He could tell I problems she was having at home and with that they have been exploited but are doing ‘It’s obvious, isn’t it? If they [male] adults was unhappy and asked me what was wrong. the women from the homeless community what they have to do in order to survive see some 15 year old girl walking around … I told him me mum had said I couldn’t go so agreed to leave with him. They went to while away from home or care. Many of the in the middle of the night, they’re going to home that night and that I didn’t know where another town and Sadie began to view this young people clearly articulated how the link think “well, why is she walking around in to go. … He knew all the right things to say: older male as her boyfriend. He asked Sadie between running away and CSE can be related the middle of the night? No-one must care he said that he knew me brother [who was in to have sex with other men so that they could to survival as it is much easier for young about her. No-one’s looking for her. What’s prison] and that he [Fay’s brother] wouldn’t have money for alcohol and drugs. Once people to get money in exchange for sex than she doing all on her own”?’ like to see me with nowhere to stay. He said again Sadie found herself disliked by women in other ways: he knew what it was like to be chucked out within the homeless community. One day the A few of the young people who were thrown of home ‘cos his dad used to do it to him and man Sadie thought of as her boyfriend left ‘If you’re on the streets and you’re begging out of home were offered a place to stay by that I could stay at his house. … I now know I the local area without saying goodbye. Sadie for money or something like that, you’re adults previously unknown to them who made was stupid to go to his house but, at the time, manages her situation by staying with men trying to hustle up a bit of money to eat, it clear to the young person, once they were in he seemed really nice and like he understood and exchanging sex for somewhere to stay. you’ll be going round the less salubrious the adult’s home, that they were expected to how I was feeling. I thought ‘cos he said She also exchanges sex for alcohol and drugs places and people will see that you’re have some form of sex with them. Due to the he was a friend of me brother’s, it would be and has sex for money if the opportunity vulnerable and will see that you’re risks of the unknown involved in staying out alright [to go to his house].’ arises. She sometimes sleeps rough on her desperate for money and they will offer you overnight or sleeping rough, young people own on the streets as she is excluded from the it [money]. Men aren’t shy about offering can feel that they have no choice but to do The man made Fay some food and then told homeless community because the adult males you money or something like that; men are what an adult wants them to do in exchange her that he needed something from her and just want to have sex with her and the females very straightforward about things like that. for somewhere to stay: forced her to have oral sex: do not want her around. They’ll say “do you want to come into this toilet with me? I’ve got some money I’ll give ‘Now I get it: if kids are on the streets, if ‘Looking back on it, I didn’t feel right about it you twenty quid”. And twenty quid’s very they run away or their parents kick them but I didn’t know anything [about sex] then.’ tempting when it took you all day to make a out, there are men out there who will take Fay continued to stay with this man when she CSE as a survival strategy of couple of quid. Twenty quid for ten minutes advantage of them and ‘cos you’ve got had nowhere to stay: running away is very tempting for a young person.’ nowhere else to go, you’ll do it [have sex with them]. … It’s better than sleeping ‘He basically told me that nothing is for Professionals stated that sexual out and getting raped by someone you nothing and that I had to pay my way in exploitation can be a survival strategy to Perpetrators exploiting the don’t know who could do anything to you. some way.’ manage running away: vulnerability of children and young … There’s always someone who will take people who run away advantage of you. When you’re a kid, it’s In a few cases, the adult perpetrator of CSE ‘Some of it is about survival. They’re hard to say no to an adult who says they befriended young people before they had run running away because many of them have Professionals presented how perpetrators of want to help you and offers you a place to away and provided somewhere for the young got issues at home in terms of relationship CSE are often skilled at recognising when a stay ‘cos what other choice do you have?’ person to go once they ran away from home: breakdown and stuff like that and that young person is vulnerable: makes then quite needy at an emotional Fay’s story exemplifies how the stress of being level. So then if they’re approached on the ‘I think generally young runaways are thrown out of home and having nowhere to Freddie, one of six children, was singled out streets whilst they are on the run and are vulnerable from the fact that they’re not at go can make the offer of somewhere to stay by his father and physically and emotionally given food, money, gifts and stuff like that, home, for whatever reason. [This] makes attractive to a young person: abused. To avoid his home situation, Freddie then it’s very easy to groom them. The them vulnerable. So if you ask someone spent time with his older siblings and other

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young people out in the local area. When he One night when James ran away to stay with Running away and spending time with 2.2.2 was nine Freddie started to run away from the older male, he was given more alcohol friends involved in sexual exploitation Running away following CSE home to be alone: than usual and, when James was very drunk, the adult male raped James. James did not A number of young females who participated Section 2.2.2 addresses the relationship ‘I used to just run off and be on my own. I tell anyone because he was unsure about what in the research described how they were between running away and CSE where the went to this wood and this field. … I just had happened and because he did not know if sexually exploited after running away because young person experiences CSE prior to wanted to be on me own.’ it was his fault or not. they spent time with other young people who running away and: were all being sexually exploited: When Freddie was ten he got to know a ■■ perpetrators of CSE encourage young 20-year-old male who invited him to his people to run away to be with them Shar became involved with older men through house. Freddie started to spend time at this Running away to seek attention ■■ young people run away to be with an older the friends she ran away to be with passing male’s house when he ran away from home: and care boyfriend or girlfriend on her number to the older men: ■■ young people run away because of the ‘At first we used to play on his Xbox but then Many of the young people who participated in ‘They’d [Shar’s friends] like meet them in the desire to have sex he started giving me booze and touching me the research described how the link between park or on the streets and they’d [the older ■■ running away is a consequence of how and that.’ experiencing running away and CSE is feeling men] ask for my number and my friends generally uncared for and not listened to. This a young person’s disclosure of CSE is would give it to them.’ responded too Freddie was taken into care and lived in a was particularly the case for Looked After residential school for two years. He often ran Children. Running away can be a response to ■■ young people run away because of the Shar’s friends also invited Shar to go to away and, at first, stayed with this older male. feeling unwanted, feeling the need to be cared pressure of being involved in a police parties with them during episodes of running However, this older male’s sexual advances for and seeking attention. CSE is the form that operation into CSE. away: became more and more forceful. During one the attention takes: episode of running away the adult male raped ‘They said “Oh, there’s this party. We’re gonna Freddie. Freddie continued to run away after ‘ ‘Cos you feel like you’re on your own [when Perpetrators of CSE encouraging young have a drink and there’ll be a few people this incident but spent time on his own as he you feel uncared for] so you just want people to be with them there. Do you wanna come?” So I’d go with had done when he was younger and had first somebody else there for you. … Pretty much them. … They gave us alcohol and cannabis so started to run away. anyone would do at that time when you feel Professionals described how perpetrators of that they could do what they wanted to us. … that low.’ CSE often encourage those they are exploiting At the time it seemed like fun and like it was to run away and this forms part of the normal and you’d think “Well, they have got Other young people were encouraged by Feeling uncared for and unloved can act as a grooming process: us drink and everything” so you’d feel like older adults to run away from home and stay push factor for running away and becoming you’ve got to return the favour … like you had with them: involved in sexual exploitation. Jasmine, for ‘I think virtually all of them (children to give something back.’ example, started to run away when she was and young people who experience CSE) James describes himself as having learning living with her aunt and cousins because of are encouraged to run away by their difficulties and as being lonely and socially the way she was treated by these relatives. As perpetrators. It’s part of the grooming inept. James’ parents separated when he was Jasmine succinctly stated, the relationship process because what they need to do is Running away to attend parties and be 14. James did not spend much time with his between running away and CSE can be about: make that young person dependent upon with older men father when his father lived with the family them so they need to convince that young and found it awkward being with him on his ‘Running from hate to what you think person that it’s good to run away because A number of the young people who own after his father left the family home. At is love.’ the people who are caring for them … don’t participated in the research started to become the same time that James and his father were have their interest at heart.’ involved in sexual exploitation as a result of finding it difficult to be with one another, In contrast, Ellie knew that her mother loved running away but then started to run away James was befriended by an older male in her but that she was unable to show it due Professionals reported that perpetrators are with the sole purpose of attending parties his mid-twenties. This male invited James to her mental health illness. Consequently, sometimes aware that if a young person is with older men or to be with older men: round to play on his games console. James Ellie ran away and became involved in sexual away for more than a few hours, they may be enjoyed having what he thought was a friend exploitation to experience what she thought reported as missing to the police. Therefore, ‘It was always to go to parties or stay as he has always found it difficult to make was love: perpetrators can encourage the young person the night with someone.’ friends. The older male gave James alcohol to run away to be with them but ensure that and encouraged him to stay overnight at ‘I knew that my mother always loved me but the young person is returned home after a weekends without letting James’ mother I never felt that loved because she was so few hours: know where he was and James started to run ill … so it was good to feel like that [loved] away regularly. at the time [by the men who were sexually exploiting Ellie].’

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‘It’s about where the young person is when shelter just for one night and then they found him and told him like what was going on when they were coerced into doing sexual acts they’re not at school and they’re not at out me age and I wasn’t allowed to stay there and he said “do you want to come and live they did not want to do, were forced to have home and it’s not that they’ve run away and so the next night me and me boyfriend with me?”.’ sex with men they did not want to have sex overnight or for a couple of days but it’s slept out on the street … for about two with and/or were hurt during sex: where they are in between school and when months. We moved in with someone else and After deciding that he would run away from they’re allowed home or they’re leaving her husband but they were alcoholics. Stayed home, Sean went to stay with the adult male: ‘At first I did like the sex; I really liked it home at seven and arriving home between there for about three weeks, got kicked out. and I would run away to do it but then it eleven and midnight.’ Stayed in a tent, lived in a tent and we’ve ‘We got into a relationship really quickly. … changed and he made me do things I didn’t only just moved into this flat that’s X’s [Abi’s He ended up raping me … After it happened, I want to do and sometimes I was hurt.’ boyfriend’s] mate’s.’ went for a walk by the river and I climbed on Running away to be with an older to a bridge and I freaked and I thought about boyfriend or girlfriend jumping [into the river]. … I didn’t know what Running away to escape CSE Running away to be with an older boyfriend to do. It was like ‘who am I going to tell this or girlfriend can take different forms. Several young people who experienced both to because they’re going to think I’m sick?”.’ The relationship between running away running away and CSE ran away to be with an Sometimes older males encourage young and CSE can be to avoid further sexual older boyfriend or, in one young man’s case, people to run away: exploitation as young people also run away an older girlfriend: to escape being sexually exploited. Shan ran Liam is gay and did not know any other gay Running away to meet adults for sex away to avoid sexual exploitation that was ‘She was 22. … I hadn’t had sex before and men. He wanted a boyfriend and thought that because of the desire to have sex facilitated by his father: my first time was with her. … I used to run the best way to meet a boyfriend was to go away so that I could see her. … At one point Many of the males who participated in the online. One man Liam met online invited him Shan has early memories of his father I was with her most of the time. … Me dad research stated explicitly that the reason to his house, said that he wanted Liam to be taking his brother and sisters away for the never said that much about it but one night they ran away was to have sex with older his boyfriend and that he should run away day and not knowing where they had gone. him and his mates were pissed and that and males and, in one case, an older female. The and not tell anyone where he was going. As One day, when Shan was six, he was taken were teasing me about it, saying that it was experience of sex was very powerful and was Liam desperately wanted to have a boyfriend, along with his siblings. His father drove every young lad’s dream. … Me mum wasn’t something that young males enjoyed and he agreed to do this and the adult male them to a location in their home town and very happy about it and it was her [house] wanted more of: ordered a taxi to collect Liam from a phone Shan was sexually abused for the first time I used to run from so that I could see X [the box and bring him to his house. by a man from within his local community. older female].’ ‘All my friends were just talking about it This became a regular pattern and Shan and and I was doing it! It was like the best thing After running away to remove himself from his siblings were internally trafficked37 for After running to be with an older boyfriend, ever and I just wanted more and more of it.’ his stepfather’s violence, Jordon met an older sexual exploitation for which their father young people have found themselves living on male who became his boyfriend and sexually was paid. Sometimes they were taken on the streets: ‘When I was 14 and having sex with X [the exploited him. This male used to text Jordon longer journeys to other towns and cities. older female], it was like nothing else I’d while he was at school and encourage him Sometimes there was one man who abused ever done. I just wanted to do it [have sex] Abi is 15 and lives on the street in a tent to run away to be with him. Jordon would Shan, sometimes more than one man. all the time. None of me mates were having with her older boyfriend who she ran away run out of school and travel the thirty mile sex and there was I getting laid by this to be with. Abi’s parents initially liked distance to the city where this older male When Shan was ten his older brother ran gorgeous girl; it was great.’ her boyfriend but became unhappy with lived. Jordon usually stayed with the older away from home and was never seen again by Abi’s relationship with him. Abi ended the male for a couple of days, but sometimes his family. Shan started to exhibit problems ‘I felt like just wanted in a way that I had relationship but after an argument with her stayed for a couple of weeks and, on one at school and now realises that this was never felt wanted before: like more of a lust father where he threatened her with violence, occasion, for a month. because of the abuse he was experiencing. than love. … And then when I was with a Abi contacted her ex-boyfriend and asked He fought with other children and generally guy, I felt like I was being loved in a way him to run away with her. He agreed and they Sean is gay and a Traveller. He lived on site caused problems at school. He was that I hadn’t been loved by my parents made plans to run away: with his father who has mental health issues and is physically abusive towards Sean. After and stuff. … Like a different kind of love than what my parents gave me. … I liked ‘I got me [school] uniform on; I packed me a particularly violent incident when Sean was those feelings of being wanted and the handbag full of stuff and packed another attacked by his father, he started going online 37 ‘Internal trafficking’ can be defined as the trafficking of and chatting to adult males on Facebook: sex and how it made me feel and I wanted people within state borders (where the nationality of victims bag of stuff, walked up as if I was walking and perpetrators is irrelevant). Many children and young those feelings.’ up to where me bus stop is for school and X people who are sexually exploited are moved by their coercers ‘I was so desperate to leave my daddy like and and exploiters to locations outside of the child or young [Abi’s boyfriend] was there and we carried person’s place of residence to a location where Some of the females described how they on walking. [I] got changed in some alley I got chatting with this man on Facebook and sexual exploitation occurs and then returned to their enjoyed sex but often this enjoyment stopped original location. way and ended up here. … I slept in the night I felt so bad about myself and I opened up to

26 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 27 Part two: Part two: Research findings addressing the relationship between running away and CSE Research findings addressing the relationship between running away and CSE

excluded when he was 13 and no alternative thought that there was anyone who thought down and told Jimmy while stroking his hair my family. It would be my word against his educational provision was set in place. As that being into boys was acceptable. One that he owed these men money and that they and no-one would believe me.’ Shan was not at school, he started to spend a night when Jimmy was round at this man’s would harm him if Jimmy did not do what lot of time on the streets during the day. He caravan he saw a pornographic magazine they wanted. After a while Nicole’s relative forced her to met older males who were part of a gang and featuring men. The man saw Jimmy looking have oral sex with his friends. Nicole became started to hang around with them. One of at the magazine and told him to have a look. After being forced to have sex with a number very depressed and started to self-harm. the older males said that Shan could start to Jimmy did and the man told Jimmy that he of men, Jimmy changed. He started to get Nicole’s relative went on a family holiday and make money by doing a bit of drug running. was better looking than any of the men in the into a lot of fights and generally cause a she ran away just before he returned as she magazine and why didn’t they take photos of lot of problems at home with his family. dreaded the exploitation resuming: Shan’s father intensified his violence towards Jimmy. So Jimmy took his top off and the two Jimmy wanted to tell someone what was Shan because he didn’t like him being out of of them fooled around with the camera on the being done to him but felt trapped and that ‘After two weeks of having a break from him the home so often. One day Shan overheard man’s phone. At one point, the man grabbed there was no-one he could go to as being gay I felt like I couldn’t bear it all starting again. his father on the phone making arrangements Jimmy and kissed him roughly on the lips. was viewed as unacceptable. He had a lot of It was the beginning of the summer holidays to take Shan and his sisters somewhere and This frightened Jimmy who put his top back arguments with his father who was violent so I was off school and I knew he [her cousin] presumed this was to be sexually exploited. on and ran back to his caravan. towards Jimmy to teach him to respect. would be round when me mam and dad were Shan felt that he could bear it no longer and Jimmy continued to meet the man in his at work so the day before he came back from decided to run away. Shan did not tell anyone Jimmy tried to avoid the man as he was caravan because he was too frightened to holiday, I ran away. … I planned it all out. I why he had run away or that he was being having conflicting feelings about what was stop doing so. took some stuff with me – clothes and that – sexually exploited but said that there were happening. On one level he was frightened and some money that I’d saved up and I went problems at home. He was offered somewhere because he knew that this man should not One day the man came to Jimmy’s father and to me friend’s. … I’d never done anything to stay by one of the gang members. After a have kissed him because of how others within said that he had work that he wanted Jimmy like that before so me mam and dad were week Shan returned home. Shan’s father was his family and community would react but to help him with and that Jimmy would get really worried but I didn’t understand why furious that he had run away. Shan thinks the kiss had also excited him. After a few paid. Jimmy had a feeling what the work they hadn’t noticed the change in me [as a that this was because he had lost face with, days Jimmy went back to the man’s caravan. would involve and told his father that he did result of being sexually exploited]. … I was and money from, the men who were expecting The man said he had missed Jimmy coming not want to go. His father told him not to be quiet when I didn’t used to be. I wasn’t doing to have sex with Shan. Shan’s father hit him round and gave him a beer. They watched a so stupid and to go. Jimmy could not face so well at school. I was so unhappy but they across the back with a metal bar and Shan film and smoked weed and drank. Nothing being forced to have sex with a number of [her parents] didn’t notice any of it and I felt ran out of the back door never to return home was said about the kiss. After a while, men again and jumped out of the car when angry about it. … I wanted them to notice me again. He was 14. when he was drunk and stoned, Jimmy they were driving through the city centre. and to see that something was wrong and to leant over and kissed the man on the lips. Jimmy then did not know what to do. He was stop what my [relative] was doing to me.’ Jimmy and the man embarked upon a sexual too frightened to return back home to his Jimmy, a gay young male from the Traveller relationship. At first Jimmy enjoyed the sex family and site but also knew that it would be Nicole returned home and the following day community, also ran away from his family and but then the man’s demands changed and he hard to return to his community if he stayed a police officer came to see her: community to escape CSE: became violent. away for too long. ‘The police came to speak with me and asked When Jimmy was 13 he realised he was The man started making up excuses to me why I was running away. Like I could Nicole ran away to prevent further sexual sexually attracted to men, which troubled take Jimmy off site ‘to help him with a job’ really say “my [relative]’s making me suck his exploitation by a male relative and his friends: him as he knew that being gay would not be but this was an excuse to get Jimmy away dick and his mates’ dick”. It just wasn’t going accepted by his family and community, and from the site. At first Jimmy was excited by to happen.’ that he would be expected to marry a woman leaving the site with the man he thought of Nicole’s life changed when a male relative and have children. as his boyfriend but he found that the man started to sexually abuse her and invited his Nicole continued to run away, sometimes had arranged to meet other men, outside friends to do the same: staying with friends and sometimes staying When Jimmy was 14 he got to know an older of the Traveller community, in a hotel and out all night on her own or with other male in his mid-twenties who was the son of they were expecting to have sex with Jimmy ‘He came round to me house when me mum young people: another Traveller family on site. This man and a couple of other boys that they had and dad were at work. He forced me to give invited Jimmy to his caravan where they brought along with them. Jimmy did not him a blow job. He hit me when I refused to ‘I ran away so me [relative] couldn’t find me drank alcohol and smoked cannabis. One want to have sex with these men and said do so and grabbed me round the throat. I and couldn’t make me do all that stuff. … night the man asked Jimmy if he had ever so. The man he thought of as his boyfriend was really scared and felt sick afterwards. He There was no-one to help me with it all so had sex with a girl. The man made a joke took Jimmy into the bathroom and said that told me to keep it quiet and said that no-one all I could think to do was run away and be about Jimmy preferring boys and then said if he did not do what he was told, he would would believe me if I told anyone what had omewhere where he couldn’t find me.’ there was nothing wrong with that. The show his father the photographs he had of happened. And he was right – no-one would man’s response stunned Jimmy as he had not Jimmy on his phone. The man then calmed believe me; things like that didn’t happen in

28 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 29 Part two: Part two: Research findings addressing the relationship between running away and CSE Research findings addressing the relationship between running away and CSE

Running away as a consequence of how While other young people initially run away Lauren met a new group of young people looks so sad and upset all of the time and disclosure of a young person’s sexual for other reasons, they also run away because who stayed out overnight and eventually my dad hasn’t been able to look me in the exploitation is responded to of how family members responded to their ran away to be with them and escape her face since it came out. I know it’s hard for sexual exploitation. Lauren, for example, home situation: them but I’m the one it all happened to. … Running away also takes place after a young started to run away to be with a man who she I run away now because of everything that person has been sexually exploited as a result thought of as an older boyfriend, but later ‘I couldn’t bear being somewhere where I felt has happened and because it’s changed of how professionals and family members running away was linked to how her parents, like I wasn’t wanted and didn’t fit. At least everything with me family. Sometimes I respond after they have disclosed CSE: particularly her father, responded to the with these friends I felt like they wanted to just have to get away from it.’ sexual exploitation that Laura experienced: talk to me and wanted to be with me.’ Lucy was sexually exploited by a number of Lauren started to drink alcohol and smoke Running away because of the men. Due to arguments with family members Lauren told a policewoman what had cannabis with this group of friends, which pressure of being part of a police Lucy started to talk to men online and was happened during an incident of running away caused more conflict at home as Lauren’s operation into CSE raped on two separate incidents by men she to be with her older boyfriend: father started to shout at her when she met online. returned from running away overnight. He While only a small proportion of the young ‘She was nice so I told her what had also started to hit her: people who participated in the research have ‘He turned really nasty and he raped me and happened. … I told her that I met Pete online, been part of a police operation addressing then he dropped me off afterwards and was that we had met and that he had given me ‘He used to lose the plot and just scream at me CSE, some ran away because of the stress like “I’ll see you later, babes” as if nothing a phone. … I told her that I had gone to his that I should be showing him and my mum of being involved in a police prosecution, had happened.’ flat with him and what he had made me do to some respect. … I told him that I did respect taking part in police interviews and fear of the him. … The policewoman said that because my mum but not him. He used to slap me forthcoming court process. Alongside being sexually exploited Lucy of my age, it was a criminal offence what he when I said things like that.’ was sexually abused by a relative for a had done.’ ‘It was all the questions that did it [led number of years and all the sexual abuse Once Lauren was 16 she left home and the young person to run away during the Lucy experienced began to have a significant The policewoman said that she would have presently lives in a hostel for young people police investigation into the CSE she had impact upon her. Lucy had good relationships to tell Lauren’s parents what Lauren had who are homeless. experienced]. … Having men [male police with some of the teaching staff in her school told her. Lauren was very worried about officers] ask me all that personal stuff who all noticed a change in her behaviour this, especially about what her father would was really difficult. I much preferred it and were concerned about this change. Lucy say and do. While Lauren’s parents did not While Nicole originally started to run away when it was a woman [police officer]. You disclosed to the head teacher that she had mention to her what had happened, they did to escape being exploited by a relative and don’t wanna discuss stuff like that with a experienced sexual exploitation and sexual accompany her to the police station to make his friends, her reasons for running away man when you’re a girl. Some days I just abuse from a number of males. The head a statement. Lauren’s perception was that changed after she made a statement to the couldn’t take any more and I ran away to teacher responded in a positive manner her parents did not want charges pressed police and the sexual exploitation stopped. have a break from it.’ to Lucy and made it clear that Social Care against Pete: Nicole then began to run away because she and the police had to be informed of her was so angry about how her family behaved Young people described running away because disclosure. When the social worker and a ‘They wanted to sweep it all under the carpet when they found out she had been sexually of being so stressed by the police operation police officer arrived: and pretend it never happened.’ exploited by her relative and his friends: into their sexual exploitation: ‘The police woman acted like she had already Lauren thinks that she became depressed ‘I can’t sit at home with me mum and ‘It was just all so stressful. Being asked made her judgement before she had already after all of this happened and spent most of dad. They want to pretend it all never time and time again about the men [who met me so I stood up and said “I’ve had the time at home in her bedroom. She felt happened but it did. They don’t stick up had sexually exploited the young person], enough of this” and that was the first time I even more detached from her family. Her for me when me gran and grandad start worrying what the court hearing was going ran away.’ school attendance decreased as she often felt going on about it, saying I must have done to be like and feeling frustrated because too depressed to go to school and her school something to encourage him [the young sometimes nothing was done about some Lucy was worried about how her disclosure grades dropped. She also felt isolated from person’s relative]. I don’t want to be with of the men who had groomed me and could would be received so she was prepared to the few friends she had. Lauren’s relationship them. … I want everything to be back to be doing the same thing to other kids. … run away. Lucy ran away on subsequent with her parents deteriorated even further: normal with them but I can’t change how [When the young person ran away] I just occasions because of how her family reacted I feel. Sometimes I’m so mad I want to had to get away from it so when X [name of to her disclosure: ‘My dad barely looked at me never mind spoke throw things at them, scream at them and a man the young person met online] said he to me. … My mum tried to make effort with kick them. Other times I feel so sad and would come and get me and take me to his ‘ ‘Cos they don’t believe me. Their attitude is me but I could tell she didn’t know what to want to cry because I miss having them house for the weekend, I couldn’t wait to “we don’t believe you”.’ say or do.’ the way I used to have them. Me mum get away.’

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Other young people, who had run away on The role of drugs and alcohol in the ‘The next day you always really regretted previous occasions, found it very stressful relationship between running away something because when you’re drunk Abi had known the man she considered her when the perpetrator of their exploitation was and CSE you do something that you wish you boyfriend for a few years as his family lived released on bail and this stress played a part hadn’t done.’ on a neighbouring estate and he used to in running away after a police investigation Both professionals and young people who spend time on the estate that Abi lived on. Abi had begun: participated in the research identified the A number of the young people whose use of considered this man to be a mate before he importance of drugs and alcohol in the alcohol and drugs was linked to their running became her boyfriend. He used to say to her: ‘I couldn’t sleep thinking that I might bump relationship between running away and CSE. away and CSE began to rely upon drugs and into him when I was out in town or with me As noted by one professional, alcohol and alcohol to help them to cope with the sexual ‘“Hey babe” – he always called me babe – friends or summat so I used to run [away]. substance misuse: exploitation they were experiencing. For “you should come out with us [him] just by Just knowing he was out there and could example, when realising that they were going yourself”. I always thought he was just one of come up to me at any minute really ‘Features in every single case that we’ve to be forced to have sex, young people decided the lads, you know, and said stuff like that but frightened me. … He used to come up to got. … Getting the girls hooked on alcohol that they only way they were going to be able one day [on Facebook] he convinced me to go me in the street and threaten me if I didn’t and drugs are the way groomers get the to manage what was going to happen to them and see him.’ withdraw my statement. He used to shout girl to do what they want them to do. … It’s was to take a lot of alcohol and drugs: at me, asking me why I was making up lies also a way for the girls to cope with what’s Tina met an older boyfriend for the first about him. … He used to get these other happening; self-medicating, isn’t it?’ ‘One time there was just me and my friend time face-to-face and then invited him to be girls to come up to me at college and say and all these men. She got really drunk and her friend on Facebook, which is how they they were going to hit me and why was I The role of alcohol and drugs in exacerbating passed out. They were all about to rape her started communicating and arranged to see telling lies about him. … It just all did my the risk that a young person faces when and I thought “I can’t let that happen to each other: head in and sometimes I ran away to get they run away was explicitly stated by one her” so I jumped up and told them to fuck away from it all.’ professional: off and leave her alone. I had a knife so I ‘I saw him and suddenly got attracted to him pulled that out but a couple of them [adult and added him on Facebook, started talking ‘By running away they put themselves men] got it off me and pinned me down. So to him [messaging via Facebook] and we got 2.2.3 at risk … particularly if they have issues I got off my face as this was the only way together. … I went round to his house and we Other links between running around drugs and alcohol because they will I was gonna get through the evening and watched a film and then obviously had sex.’ away and CSE always be in danger of exchanging drugs me and my friend did to them what they or alcohol for sex.’ wanted us to do all along. … We knew what In other cases, adult males who were was going to happen so we would just think Section 2.2.3 identifies other links between unknown to the child or young person made A significant proportion of the young people “need to get wasted for this” and enjoy the running away and CSE relating to: contact with the young person via Facebook. who participated in the research outlined drugs they gave us – they were free drugs Many of the young people who participated ■■ drugs and alcohol how their desire for alcohol and drugs was for us so they paid for us in some way.’ in the research used Facebook as a means to ■ behind their running away and being sexually ■ the internet alleviate their loneliness and met perpetrators exploited: ■■ parents’ and carers The role of the internet in the who responded to the young person and ■ encouraged them to run away. In some ■ trust ‘I didn’t go for the fun or to see those relationship between running away cases, young males were going online to ■■ the need to escape people, I went for the drink and drugs … to and CSE seek potential boyfriends but were groomed ■■ feeling isolated take like all my feelings away. … I felt like by perpetrators of CSE and encouraged to not good enough … and I felt depressed The internet played a role in the experiences ■■ young people experiencing a shift in their run away. experience of running away and CSE sometimes … and then I started drinking of many of the young people who participated more and taking more drugs.’ in the research, as grooming and encouraging ■■ experiencing running away and CSE and the young person to run away took place As previously noted, Liam felt isolated becoming a sex worker. While young people were aware that they were online. As described previously, many of the because he does not know any other gay running away to be sexually exploited by older young people met perpetrators of CSE via people and wanted to have a boyfriend. Liam This section also describes how there can males, they continued to do it all because: Facebook and grooming took place online. has met a number of men via Facebook and be no direct link between a young person’s In some instances, the perpetrator was run away to meet them. While Liam is now running away and sexual exploitation; and ‘I needed to drink and to take drugs.’ known to the young person prior to contact not allowed out on his own and has limited presents possible impacts of experiencing via Facebook: access to the internet because of the risky both running away and CSE. Young people often regretted what had taken situations he finds himself in, he disclosed place when they had run away to seek alcohol that a 39-year-old male who he was in touch and/or drugs: with via Facebook had asked Liam to call him ‘daddy’ and called Liam ‘son’. This male lived

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a significant distance from Liam and wanted and, for about four weeks, guys were just When Scarlett was 13 her father gave her 24 me from going to school; I was getting to meet him. He wanted to bring his adult like helping me out and making sure I was cans of lager when she was running away to home schooled. And then I’d go to the friends to meet Liam and for Liam to dress up okay. But then one guy was like “have you be with an older man who sexually exploited shops and run away and not come back as a girl and have sex with his two dogs. ever had sex with a guy before?” and I said her. When Shar ran away to attend parties [from the shops]. … She took me phone off “no” and he was like “do you want to try?”. with older men her father, who had an alcohol me and I wasn’t allowed on the internet. Lucy’s father moved abroad when she was a So I started meeting up with guys and I misuse issue, accompanied her to the parties … And then some nights I’d wait until she young child and Lucy did not see him often liked it so I started doing it more often and where she was sexually exploited so that he [Ellie’s mother] went to bed and the kids or have much contact with him. As Father’s I set up more profiles. … When I told guys could gain access to alcohol. Shan’s father [Ellie’s siblings] were in bed and I’d sneak Day approached, Lucy felt sadder and sadder my age, some said “well, we’re only going organised and facilitated Shan’s sexual out of the back door [to run away to be with about her father and went on to Facebook to be able to talk on here” [online]; they exploitation. Chloe’s mother sold Chloe to men her older boyfriend] so she started locking to seek company. She had been talking to an refused to meet up and said we couldn’t for sex and, after Chloe was taken into care, the door and taking the keys with her to older male on Facebook for some time and even meet up for coffee but then there were also encouraged her to run away so that she bed sometimes. … Everything she did, she told him how sad she felt about missing her a few [men] who said “yeah, we’ll meet up” could continue to make money from charging couldn’t stop me [from running away to father and about Father’s Day. This male said and some were like “yeah, we can have sex men money to have sex with Chloe. be with her older boyfriend]; she tried her that Lucy could spend Father’s Day with him if you want to try anything”.’ hardest.’ and arranged to meet her. He collected Lucy While other young people’s mothers did not in his car and drove her to his house, where Many of the young people who met explicitly have a role in their running away Tom’s parents also did what they could he locked her in a room and raped her before perpetrators online and ran away to be and involvement in CSE, a small number to prevent him from running away and driving her back home. with them did not give thought to the risks of the young people’s mothers sold sex, experiencing CSE: involved. A small number of young people which possibly led to the normalisation of did consider the risks involved in meeting exchanging sex for something. Where young ‘My dad came after me in the car; he drove Young people also experienced positive men but perceived there to be an element of people’s mothers sold sex, their children also miles to get me when I had run away and outcomes of using Facebook. Part of Jasmine’s safety to meeting men online prior to meeting sold sex. For example, Jake’s mother sold sex was with a man. My parents took my phone, motivation to leave her violent older boyfriend face-to-face: to fund her heroin use and when Jake was iPod touch and laptop off me. They didn’t came from a number of comments her friends thrown out of home by his uncle, he survived let me use the phone or go out on my own. posted on Facebook telling Jasmine that she ‘While I never thought I would be harmed, by selling sex. Maria described how it was They got me help. They tried to talk to me shouldn’t allow him to treat her in the way he I did think “he’s a man, I’m a 13 year old normal for her to experience CSE when she about what I was doing and the risks I was did and that she should leave him. Tina posted boy; if he really wanted to do something first ran away aged nine as she sold sex taking and how dangerous it was to meet that she wanted to kill herself as her status on he would get his way”. … I always felt like because her mother sold sex: men off the internet.’ Facebook. One of Tina’s friends saw this status I was safer checking men out first on the and called the police who realised that Tina internet ‘cos on the internet I could see if ‘When I ran away when I was young, I had gone missing and was at risk and began I liked them first but if I went down to the got sexually abused [through selling Trust and the relationship between to search for her. toilets [to a local location well-known for sex] because my real mum she was doing running away and CSE cottaging], I might have to have sex with prostitution so I thought “oh, if me mam Young people were not always initially seeking someone who was really unattractive and does, it must be okay” because it’s normal The relationship between running away and sex or to meet someone when they went I’d have to do it even if I didn’t like them. to take after your mum, isn’t it? … So I did CSE can be about trust when young people online but were looking for something to fill … [Online] you can decide what you were that and ever since then I’ve just ran, ran, want to find someone and search for someone a gap and a need in their life. Lauren joined going to do beforehand whereas in a toilet ran.’ they can trust. There are adults who try to an online forum to chat to others who had you could be like “I don’t want to do this” make young people feel like they can trust experienced bereavement. Tom accessed a and they could be like “well, I do”.’ A small number of young people’s parents did them and then use the young person’s trust to number of gay websites and forums because try to prevent their child from running away exploit them: he wanted other gay people to talk too. While and being sexually exploited. Ellie’s mother, a number of men who he chatted to online Parents’ and carers’ role in for example, did what she could to try to ‘You run away ‘cos you want to trust were supportive and did not ask to meet Tom, young people’s running away and prevent Ellie from running away to be with someone and find someone to trust and other men did: sexual exploitation her older boyfriend: then you think you’ve found someone to trust so you trust them and then you realise ‘I really needed to talk to someone about it In a few young people’s experiences, parents ‘She was telling me to stay away from that they made you trust them so they [being gay] and I didn’t think of charities played a part in their running away and him [and] I was ignoring her and she was could exploit you.’ or anything but I wanted to talk to other involvement in sexual exploitation. For grounding me and I was [running away] gay guys and I had an iPod touch so I example, both Scarlett and Shar did not live to be with him. I was going to school and downloaded a few gay chat line apps on with their fathers but they played a role in going missing from school to be with him it and I started talking to guys on there their daughter’s running away and CSE. and then she [Ellie’s mother] was stopping

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Relationship between running away have felt less isolated if he knew other gay forum for people who had experienced ‘And then all the sexual exploitation started.’ and involvement in sexual exploitation young people: bereavement and began chatting to people. being part of a need to escape There were some people that Lauren chatted Jasmine’s running away became directly ‘Because I could have talked to them about with more than others. One man, who called linked to CSE because all of the friends Sometimes the link between running away and it [being gay] because the first thing I did himself Pete, also said that he had lost a she stayed with or spent time with while CSE can be the young person’s need to escape when I was on the internet was to talk to twin at a young age. Pete seemed really she was running away were all involved in as Lucy’s experiences reveal: someone about how I felt. So if I hadn’t done understanding and to know how Lauren felt. sexual exploitation: that, I wouldn’t have got into the whole sex One day Pete suggested that he and Lauren [ual exploitation] and running away thing. meet up face-to-face. ‘It seemed like every friend I had was involved Lucy initially started to run away to escape … It escalates.’ in it [sexual exploitation]. … Like this girl … I the fallout from the disclosure she made After Lauren ran away to be with Pete and used to go out with [when Jasmine ran away], about her relative sexually abusing her. She realised that he had only paid her attention to … there just used to be this one house that she then continued to run away because she Isolation was also experienced by young exploit her, she felt devastated: took me too … and then we went to a different was not believed by her family and some women as a consequence of how CSE is house … and another house.’ professionals about the sexual exploitation responded to by family members: ‘I began to see that he only wanted me for the she had experienced. Lucy realises that sex and that he hadn’t treated me well. I felt Jasmine is not sure why she became sexually professionals often accuse her of running ‘I can’t talk to me mam and dad about it. stupid that I had thought we had got on so exploited by a number of men but recognises away for attention but says that part of the I’ve lost all me good friends so can’t talk well because of both losing a twin. I felt like that offers of alcohol played a part, as did reason she runs away is because she wants to them. There’s me mates here [the street heartbroken as well because I had really liked receiving attention and feeling cared for: someone to realise how deeply unhappy and in the town centre] but I don’t talk to them him and thought that he had liked me. … I lonely she is. Lucy identified that at the heart about this stuff [being sexually exploited]. hadn’t been so lonely since meeting him but ‘Even though I learned from what happened of her running away is a need to escape her I run away here to get away from it.’ now all that was gone and I was on my own to me when I was locked up in that house for daily life and all the difficulties it holds. again and felt even more isolated than before.’ two weeks, it’s like I didn’t really learn from There is a shared link with CSE as the men Sometimes feelings of isolation stem from it. I started going out with even more older Lucy is at risk of sexual exploitation from circumstances that precede running away and males and anybody at all who would buy me also offer her a means of escape, as they have CSE can be exacerbated by their experiences a drink. I’d go to their house. … I just wanted cars they can drive her away in, and provide of running away and CSE: Young people experiencing a shift to feel the attention and cared for … and the her with the alcohol she so desperately craves in their experience of running away drink would make me forget things.’ to escape how she feels. Lauren was born as one of a set of twins but, and CSE sadly, her twin sister died when she was a few Sometimes Jasmine ran away because she days old and her death has created a void for For several young people who participated wanted to be at the men’s houses with them Lauren who feels incomplete as a person: in the research, the relationship between to get the alcohol they provided and, other Feeling isolated and experiencing running away and CSE could change. For times, the men contacted her and suggested running away and CSE ‘I’ve always felt like part of me was missing’. other young people the relationship between that she come over: running away and CSE was consistently For many of the young people who Lauren would have liked to visit her sister’s present but shifted over time: ‘Sometimes they would contact me and participated in the research feeling isolated grave and thinks that doing so would help sometimes I would, if I had an argument with was part of their route into running away and her as it would at enable her to have more of me mam or something, I would run away and CSE. For some of the boys and young men Jasmine started to run away to escape a connection to her sister. For as long as she contact them. I’d go round and have a drink who are gay, the isolation they felt in relation the aunt and cousins she lived with. After can remember, Lauren has felt lost: and stuff.’ to their sexuality also played a part: running away and being locked up in a house for two weeks and raped daily when she was Scarlett started to run away when she was ‘As a small kid I didn’t feel all there and I 11, Jasmine started to live with her mother Tom recognises that his route into sexual 13. There was a lot of instability in her life at didn’t feel like I belonged to anyone’. again. Jasmine does not know why but she exploitation was via the internet and that this time as her mother had thrown her out started to run away again. Jasmine’s home he ran away to be with men he met online, of home so Scarlett had moved in with her This sense of not belonging to her family situation once again became problematic stemming from being isolated in relation biological father who also threw her out of and feeling isolated stayed with Lauren after her mother’s boyfriend was violent to his sexuality. While his sexuality had not home. Scarlett experienced rejection from throughout her childhood and teens. towards her. She then moved in with her caused any problems with his family and both parents and spent time living between father and started to run away with a female some of his friends, Tom did not know anyone both of their houses. Scarlett said she ran When Lauren was 14, because she felt unable friend who took her to a number of different else who was gay and wanted to be part away at this stage because: to talk to anyone about her dead twin sister, men’s houses: of a community so that he could talk with she began looking online for information other gay men. Tom thinks that he would about twins and death. She joined an online ‘I just wanted to do what I wanted to do … and I started running away.’

36 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 37 Part two: Part two: Research findings addressing the relationship between running away and CSE Research findings addressing the relationship between running away and CSE

While at this point, Scarlett’s running away my money back”. I said “I ain’t no prostitute” his grandparents. At this point his running No direct link between running away was not linked to CSE, she experienced CSE and he said “well you are going to be for away ceased and his attendance at school and CSE by an older male for the first time when she one night”. … That’s when he splits his can improved. Joe is much happier living with his was 13: [alcohol tin] in half and he went “you go do grandparents. A young person can experience both running it now” [threatening Scarlett] … so I had no away and CSE but it is also possible that ‘I’d known him for ages. … I’d liked him for choice in the matter.’ the two are not directly interlinked but are ages and he asked me, well he asked me and indicative that a young person has a number my best friend, if we wanted to stay round After this incident, Scarlett continued to run Experiencing running away and CSE of difficult issues or experiences in their life. his and I said “I’ve got to ask my mum” and away to spend time with an older male she and becoming a sex worker For example, Tina’s sexual exploitation took he said “oh, don’t worry; I’ll ring her and classed as her boyfriend. the form of a number of relationships with ask her”. … He said that everything was The link between running away, experiencing older males and her running away was not alright and I could stay there. … He said to CSE and becoming a sex worker was identified linked to this in any obvious way. However, Some young people’s experiences highlight me “where do you want to sleep tonight?” by both professionals and young people who Tina’s home experiences and difficulties with clearly how CSE can be a consequence of and I said “don’t mind” and he said “you can participated in the research. One professional peers are likely to have played a role in both running away but also how experiencing CSE sleep with me”. Obviously I told him I was described how: her running away and CSE: can result in running away: still a virgin and everything and that’s when he done the things that he did. It hurt but I ‘Some of these young people (those who Tina has had a number of experiences that kind of consented to it. At the time I thought I Joe lived with his father and his father’s experience running away and CSE) … as she has found difficult. These coincided could consent to it but … that was the thing: I girlfriend, who mostly ignored Joe. He they get older are moving towards that with starting puberty and experiencing a didn’t know what I was consenting to. I didn’t started running away when he was 14 as he (becoming a sex worker). It’s a very short lot of hormonal change. Her parents split up know anything; I didn’t even know what that did not feel welcome at home. One night when distance to travel really from having a gift, when she was young and at first her father thing was [sex] at the time. I didn’t know it was cold and there was nowhere to go, one mobile phones, food, to actually charging. regularly visited Tina and her brother: what I did or anything [when she was having of Joe’s friends told him about a flat they … The other issues are around the alcohol sex]. He got me drunk and everything before could go to where there was always alcohol and substance misuse, which is the other ‘But then he stopped coming round. He used that and got me smoking a bit of cannabis.’ and cannabis. The man who lived in the flat common factor between sexual exploitation to come round every week and bring me and told Joe that he was welcome any time: and sex working.’ my brothers chocolate and that but then he Scarlett was taken into care and ran away didn’t come for a couple of weeks and we from the majority of the foster placements ‘He said he knew what parents could be like Of those young people who have experienced thought he might have been called away for she lived in: and how they didn’t understand kids and that running away, CSE and selling sex, the link work and then he didn’t come round after that I could crash at his flat anytime I wanted.’ between running away and CSE includes and we just gave up on him.’ ‘Put it this way, I’ve run away from selling sex: practically every foster placement I’ve had After another argument at home, Joe ran Tina has not seen her father since she was 12. except from two.’ away and went to the flat of the man who had ‘If you’ve done it [had sex] for somewhere They now know that he has moved house and, offered him a place to crash. This time it was to stay, you might as well do it for money – while he is believed to still live in the local When Scarlett was 15 she ran away to be just the man and Joe. They drank vodka and it’s the same thing really as you’re having area, they do not know where he is. A couple with a 28-year-old man that she met through smoked cannabis and, after passing out, Joe sex so that you can survive.’ of months after Tina’s father disappeared a woman she described as ‘a sort of pimp’. was raped. He did not tell anyone what had from her life, her nan, who she was very close On another occasion Scarlett ran away to go happened to him but he feels that everything The uncertainty of life as a runaway on the to, was diagnosed with cancer. away camping with a group of adults. The changed because of being raped. He also streets also plays its part in selling sex: camping trip did not take place and the party felt that he could not see his friend who had ‘She was like my second mum and my best of people went to one of the adult’s flats. introduced him to the man who raped him ‘It’s also the uncertainty of “where’s friend as well.’ Some money was stolen from this adult who and that, therefore, he had to self-exclude my next meal coming from; where am I then forced Scarlett to have sex with a man from his group of friends. sleeping?” and all those questions. … Those Tina’s nan died when Tina was 12 and, two for money so that he could replace the money things are not a problem when you’ve got years later, she is still very affected by her that had been stolen: From this point Joe’s running away changed money in your hand. If you don’t have nan’s death: and he started to leave the local area and cash there, all of these things are an issue ‘He [the man whose money was stolen] said stay away for longer periods of time. Joe and they are obstacles that you need to ‘Every day is like a challenge to me because to me “go and sleep with X” [another adult shoplifted to survive and was caught and overcome. Now the quickest way to get obviously I was really close to my nan. … I male who was present in the house] to get charged and, once again, had a youth justice money, as I’m sure most people will know, was angry and upset … because I thought it his money back. And I said “no, I can’t do worker. The arguments at home intensified is to sell sex.’ was my fault that my nan had cancer.’ that” and he said “you go and do it now” and and Joe’s father said he didn’t want Joe to I said “why?” and he says “because I wants live at home anymore. Joe moved in with

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Tina’s mother and brother were also Some young people’s experiences of 2.3.3 2.3.4 experiencing anger and grief about the death running away and CSE led to them drinking of their mother/nan: and smoking as a coping strategy to manage Impact upon emotional Inability to trust or be trusted their memories: well-being Feeling unable to trust others was also ‘And they started to take it out on me by identified as a significant impact of young hitting me. My mum didn’t hit me that much ‘I started smoking and drinking and I’d The majority of the young people experienced people’s experiences of running away but it was my brother who was hitting me be at parties [with peers of hisown age] emotional pain and distress from being and CSE: the most. … Once he grabbed my hair and and I just couldn’t cope with some of the involved in running away and CSE. The my arms and literally chucked me to the memories I had.’ realisation that the men they had run away ‘I don’t trust a lot of people now … other side of my bedroom, nearly cracked to be with had sexually exploited them can be because of everything that happened down my head open because I landed on a sharp Young people have often experienced feeling very painful for young people: town [when the young person was living on corner of my desk and then, once, he tried to ‘down’ or depressed as a consequence of their the streets] and because of the experiences suffocate me.’ experiences of running away and CSE: ‘One night it just like came to me. … I woke up about three in the morning and I’ve had.’ Tina was also getting bullied at school and ‘It always gets to me at night when you’re I thought “oh my god, none of them cared A few of the young women stated that they everything that she was experiencing led just sat there or sometimes you sit and for me”. I just broke down crying. I didn’t have particular difficulty in trusting males: her to start self-harming. Tina has made a think like “why did I do it?”and“why did want to wake my parents and I just stayed suicide attempt and had an abortion when I let them do that to me?”and“why would up for two hours crying. I told X [the young ‘I don’t trust boys anymore. … I just don’t she was 14. somebody do that [sexually exploit] person’s support worker from the specialist trust no-one [no males]. Like before I to young people?”. … It all gets to you sexual exploitation project that he had this used to trust boys and that and now I sometimes. … It does all get me down to realisation]; I told him that it had literally just don’t let a boy anywhere near me this day.’ torn me apart when I realised [that the men did not care about the young person and and like get inside of me [both physically 2.3 had used him for sex] and he said “that’s and emotionally].’ Impacts of experiencing 2.3.2 the effect it will have because the past two running away and CSE years of your life have been based on these “When I got with me partner that I’ve got Impact upon education guys and then, all of a sudden, you realise now … I got with him when I was four months pregnant with me son [whose A few of the young people who participated it’s all been a lie. You realise nothing is real Running away and being involved in CSE is father was an adult male who had sexually in the research were no longer involved in and it’s incredibly painful”.’ also identified as having an impact upon a exploited Ellie]. … I was a bit wary at first. running away and CSE and offered reflections young person’s education. Many of the young ‘When you realise that they [perpetrators] I didn’t trust him at first. … I was always upon how their experiences had affected them. people who participated in the research self- don’t care about you and were just using watching everything he did and always identified as having low literacy levels: you, it’s awful, just awful. … And nobody analysing every little thing he done and 2.3.1 really talks to you about that. And how are sometimes it did piss him off but I opened ‘I can’t read that well. I can’t spell that you supposed to trust somebody else after up and told him why.’ Impact upon health well. … I missed so much school. … I find all that?’ it hard to spell; I find it hard to read and I A handful of young women now feel unable to Young people accepted that their involvement will never read out loud; I don’t like letting A small number of young people described have a sexual relationship with anybody else: in running away and CSE posed risks for people know that I can’t read.’ how a young person’s heart can be broken their health: when an exploitative relationship ends and/or ‘The thought of somebody touching me A number of the young people who a child or young person realises that someone now: I just couldn’t do it. I can’t let a boy ‘I met up with a guy last October for sex participated in the research had been they thought had loved them did not love them get too close to me. … I feel like sex has and he was arrested and, when he was achieving well academically prior to their and had betrayed their trust: been ruined for me.’ arrested, they found out that he was HIV involvement in running away and CSE, but found that their education achievements were positive and it just brought hell into my life ‘A lot of young people don’t find it easy to The inability to trust can also extend to hindered after starting to experience both for about two months because I couldn’t trust people and they put all their trust in professionals whom young people recognise running away and CSE: be tested [for a period of time] until it [the these men who are exploiting them and as working to support them. Marie, for possible virus] would show up in my blood don’t really love them. … And sometimes example, sees a counsellor whom she likes … and I was like absolutely distraught for ‘I was quite a bright student but all the they’re [an older man who has been and does talk to but doesn’t tell much to as about two months until I could get the time I missed school meant that … I missed exploiting a child or young person] the she finds it so hard to trust other people and [HIV] test.’ my GCSEs so I failed most of my GCSEs … only person you have ever trusted so when mostly keeps her own counsel: so it’s had a big impact on my education.’ somebody breaks it [that trust] it can be very difficult.’ ‘I like to keep some things to meself.’

40 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 41 Part two: Part two: Research findings addressing the relationship between running away and CSE Research findings addressing the relationship between running away and CSE

As well as finding it difficult to trust others, ‘That’s part of the reason me and me mum ‘I think it were quite bad, you know … ‘I wouldn’t change it because I’m glad I met young people recognise that their involvement row such a lot: … ‘cos of how she doesn’t because I wouldn’t go [have sex] with a them [the older men who sexually exploited in running away and CSE makes it hard for believe me [about being sexually abused] 15-year-old lad; I just wouldn’t. … So that’s him], and they moulded me in a way, but I others, such as parents, to trust them: and she doesn’t understand that I can’t stay why I think it’s quite bad. … When you wish it hadn’t happened as well. Like I wish in the house ‘cos of that and have to run have a boyfriend who’s a lot older than I hadn’t done all that stuff I did because I ‘Me and me mam, we get on sometimes but away when I feel so angry like I’m gonna you, they’re a lot more experienced than put myself at risk and stuff and I’ve been we always argue … like when I’m going out hurt someone.’ you and they can take advantage of you. A hurt a few times by guys and stuff; I wish and who I hang around with, what I get lot older people take advantage try to take that hadn’t happened.’ up to and stuff. … She’s probably worried advantage of young people. … And you can because I’ve done all sorts of things 2.3.6 get hurt [by adults].’ Young people also identified that while there and [because] of all the things I’ve been Impact upon parents and carers was nothing good about their experiences of involved in. … So that’s what the hard bit is: running away and CSE, it was something they she doesn’t trust me.’ A couple of young people recognised that their 2.3.8 feel was inevitable and had to experience: running away and CSE was very difficult for Young people’s views of their their parents: ‘Now when I look back on it, there was experiences of running away nothing good about it, really. … I mean, 2.3.5 and CSE Feeling anger ‘It was hell because [at the time] I didn’t I was a bit stupid because like taking think about it [how it was for the young that much drugs and drinking that much Young people describe how experiences of alcohol but I’m glad I done it. … Yeah, I Many of the young people who participated person’s parents] and I didn’t care about running away and being sexually exploited in the research recognise that they feel angry it. I was like “you’re stopping me from got summat out of my system. … I’ve been have led to some positives such as enabling there, done it; gonna do something with my about how adults have responded to them. For being who I want to be”. Now I realise I them to become stronger: example, some young people feel angry about was being stupid and if it was my kid [who life now. … I reckon it was something I had to go through.’ the adults who sexually exploited them and was running away and being sexually ‘It’s definitely made me a stronger person, encouraged them to run away: exploited], I would have done exactly the especially with boyfriends; like I won’t put same thing. It put them through hell.’ with crap anymore.’ ‘I feel really angry with those men [who 2.3.9 sexually assaulted young people]. It’s Young people identified elements of their Experiencing mental health caused all sorts of problems with my life 2.3.7 experiences of running away and CSE that issues while involved in and I thought they cared about me but they Young people’s feelings about they enjoyed such as spending time with older running away and CSE didn’t; they just used me and I feel really men who they viewed as desirable and having angry about that.’ the adults who encouraged them to run away and sexually power: Ten of the young people who participated in the research were presently away from home A few young people feel angry about how exploited them ‘[The young person liked] driving around and involved in exploitative relationships. professionals have responded to their running in fancy cars with powerful men, men that Many of these young people were experiencing Young people did not like how they were used away and CSE: people looked up too, and knowing that a range of difficult issues that were related to for sex by the perpetrators of CSE while they you were going to be shagging them later; their circumstances. Feeling depressed and were away from home or care: ‘It’s like they didn’t believe me and didn’t that they had chosen me when they could self-harming are common for these young want to hear too much about it. … They just have anyone they wanted. I know that’s people as Abi’s story illustrates: ‘[The young person does not like how he thought I was a problem child who behaved really shallow now but when you’re 14/15, was] being used like a sex toy. … I began to badly. … I don’t know why they didn’t try getting bullied and having a hard time, all see that I was just a bit of dick to them [the Abi has never previously experienced and help me.’ the attention and being with these powerful men who exploited him while he ran away depression but thinks that she is now men made you feel good about yourself.’ Anger is also directed towards family from home].’ depressed because she is living rough with her older boyfriend and having little contact members because of how they responded Young people also have mixed feelings about Young people were also able to recognise the with her family: to the young person’s running away and their experiences of running away and being inappropriate behaviour of the perpetrators sexual exploitation: sexually exploited. For example, while not who encouraged them to run away to be with ‘When I feel depressed, I want to sit in all regretting what had happened to them, some them. One young person, who was 18 at the day and don’t move. If I have to go out, I ‘I’m really angry with me dad. … I feel young people recognised that running away time of his participation in the interview, think everyone’s looking at me and talking really sad too about how he is with me but and being sexually exploited also led to them reflects that: about me. … Yeah, I do feel paranoid. I end I’m also fucking angry with him. Does he being harmed: think I wanted all of this to happen to me?’ up crying and I take everything to heart. When I get angry, I get dead angry and I beat meself up.’

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Abi’s self-harm has taken a number of different forms:

‘I head-butted a window; I was punching myself in the head; I was biting myself and pulling my hair. X [Abi’s older boyfriend] took me to hospital. … I took an overdose a few months ago [while living on the streets.’

Abi also recognises that her situation is problematic in many other ways and causes pressure:

‘It’s put loads of pressure on my and X’s [Abi’s older boyfriend’s] relationship. … There’s been days when I haven’t slept properly and X likes to get up early and I haven’t slept and I want to sleep and he wants me to wake up and get up … and he’s waking me up and I’m like “just get away”. And it’s like starting the day in that situation is like horrible and it’s horrible being horrible to each other. … And there’s just silly things like money like if X wants to gets his hair cut and we can’t afford it. … Just loads of silly things but it puts on the pressure.’

Abi also describes how there have been some good things about running away and living on the streets with her older boyfriend but that a person can present as experiencing their circumstances in one way while feeling differently about it:

‘It’s like made me more independent; I can see that. … I’ve met new people, learnt new things. … everyone’s different and things, aren’t they? People can put a brave face on but inside they can be killing.’

44 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 45 Part three: Diversity and running Sunny was living in temporary different need but within the referral the away and CSE accommodation and felt lonely with no social worker said “oh, and he’s having sex family, boyfriend or community to turn too. with a 19-year-old girl”. Now [our] worker Sunny’s project worker continued to support questioned that and suggested it was sexual Sunny through this time and also acted as exploitation and the social worker said an advocate on Sunny’s behalf, meeting with “no, it’s okay; he’s streetwise” and [our] Sunny’s grandfather with the aim of getting worker said “you know, I don’t think our him to understand that Sunny had felt lonely sexual exploitation team would view it like and isolated after her father’s death and that that. … What if this was a 12-year-old girl she had been a victim of abuse through no and a 19-year-old boy? Would you view it fault of her own. As an older male, Sunny’s differently?” and the social worker said “yes, grandfather was influential within his family we probably would”.’ The research has produced findings relating older male as her boyfriend. Because of how and community. It was hoped that if he could to young people’s gender, ethnicity, sexuality she was treated at home, Sunny wanted to understand the reasons for Sunny’s running Young people’s experiences also emphasise and learning difficulties or disabilities. These feel loved and to be somewhere where she away and sexual exploitation he could how professionals’ response to a male who is additional characteristics often played a part felt cared for. Sunny started to run away support the process of facilitating Sunny to being sexually exploited can differ from their in a young person’s experiences of running to spend days at a time with her boyfriend. have contact with her family and community, response to a female: away and CSE; and also affected young When she was with him, she just wanted to which would go some way to alleviating her people’s ability or willingness to recognise cuddle up to him and feel safe but he wanted loneliness and isolation. At first Sunny’s ‘Pretty much nothing happened. They [the risk and/or disclose their exploitation. more than this and pushed her to have sex grandfather was not receptive to considering police] just said to me “what are you doing? Professionals also did not always know how to with him. Sunny’s relationship with her that Sunny was not at fault, but over time You’re really young”. We didn’t get referred raise awareness of and/or prevent or respond boyfriend caused problems within Sunny’s and a lot of hard work from Sunny’s project anywhere. … They [the police] knew we to running away and sexual exploitation wider family and community. Sunny started worker, his attitude has changed and Sunny were selling sex on the streets as well. … among particular groups and communities. to feel more estranged and not wanted which, has started to spend time with her family They gave a girl who was with us – she Sunny’s story, presented below, touches in turn, pushed her to spend more time with and slowly begun to be reintegrated into her was twenty-five at the time while I was 15 upon some of the issues that can be faced by her boyfriend. local community. – a leaflet to go to this women’s outreach a young person from a black and minority prostitutes’ project. They used to look at me ethnic (BME) background: Eventually Sunny’s school contacted a like I was some kind of pimp or something specialist project working with children and but she was older than me and they didn’t young people who experience CSE, as they Sunny’s story give me any kind of help.’ had a number of concerns about Sunny. A 3.1 Sunny was raised by her father. After Sunny’s project worker from the specialist project Boys and young men Professionals working in specialised projects father remarried, her younger siblings were started to see Sunny at school. At first Sunny addressing running away and CSE described born. Although Sunny was not close to her did not want to discuss her relationship Some of the professionals who participated in how they often have to point out to other stepmother, she was happy at home, had with her boyfriend. However, after building the research described how, across England, professionals that any child, irrespective of friends she enjoyed spending time with and a trusting relationship with her project there is a general lack of professionals’ their gender, who experiences, or is at risk of, was working hard at school. worker, Sunny disclosed that she had a understanding of the sexual exploitation of running away and CSE should be viewed as number of problems at home and within her boys and young men: being at risk of harm and in need of support. After a long illness Sunny’s father died when community that related to her relationship she was 14. Sunny was devastated and felt with her boyfriend. Through work with her ‘A colleague of mine went to team Many professionals working within specialised like her world had been ripped apart. She project worker, Sunny started to understand meetings in social services and a [social projects addressing running away and/ continued to live with her stepmother and that her relationship with her boyfriend services] manager actually said “oh, does or CSE acknowledge that they are not very siblings but Sunny’s stepmother’s behaviour was an exploitative one. Sunny ended the it happen to boys?” and that’s what we’re successful at reaching boys and young men towards Sunny became physically and relationship with her boyfriend but, by this dealing with.’ who experience running away and CSE. For emotionally abusive. One of Sunny’s siblings time, her step-mother had thrown Sunny out example, one professional believes that a fifth copied this abusive behaviour and her home of home and her extended family were not Professionals outlined how there are different of young people who experience running life became very difficult. Sunny began to speaking to her because of the shame she attitudes towards boys and young men who away and CSE are male but that the referrals feel depressed and her school work was had brought upon them through running experience running away and CSE than do not reflect this. Low levels of referrals for affected. Through friends Sunny met an older away and having an relationship with a White towards girls and young women: boys and young men are believed to be due to White British male who asked for her mobile British male. two reasons: firstly, fewer males come to the number and she started spending time with ‘We had a 12-year-old boy last week who attention of professionals; and, secondly, there him at his flat. Sunny began to think of this actually came into a different service for a is a general lack of awareness. Professionals

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also cited how boys and young males are often those used with girls and young women. CSE face additional issues to White British have the tip of the iceberg in terms of level recognised as being involved in other forms of For example, to identify boys and young men: young people; often relating to inner city of information. I don’t think we get a full exploitation, which can mask running away deprivation, poverty, and reduced life sense of the world that they live in.’ and sexual exploitation: ‘I think you have to look for it differently; opportunities. These additional issues add to you have to look in the parks and target the young people’s vulnerability to running away One professional identified that resource ‘I think people [professionals] suspect that clubs or the [public] toilets.’ and CSE and also require consideration when issues prevent work with BME communities. they [boys and young men] may be involved responding to meet their needs. Despite a need to work with these in something else [other than running Professionals often find that it is easier to communities demands upon the project away and CSE] … and what we’re finding engage and communicate with girls than it prevent the required targeted work: is that boys are being exploited in different is with boys, and girls tend to attend on a Referrals, access to services and ways, such as drug running and things regular basis whereas boys don’t: identifying risk ‘We would hypothesise that there like that. So some of the concerns that are vulnerable BME groups in our people [professionals] pick up on may not ‘Even if they [girls] are not talking about Many of the professionals who communities that are wrongly assessed be related to sexual exploitation because of sexual exploitation, they are seeing you participated in the research reported that or overlooked in relation to running away the links to other forms of exploitation.’ weekly … with boys it’s very different. very few BME young people are referred and CSE and we haven’t got any capacity There is a different process at work and to specialist running away and sexual to really go out there and raise awareness Professionals identified how boys and young that is a huge challenge for professionals. exploitation projects, despite projects being and target.’ men who experience running away and CSE You can look at it from the angle that located in and covering areas with a number are often criminalised for engaging in anti- they [boys and young men] don’t make it of BME communities: Working with BME communities often means social behaviour rather than being recognised easy for us but who said this is supposed working outside workers’ norm and requires as being exploited and/or relying upon to be easy?’ ‘The majority of the referrals we have extra effort on the part of project teams: criminal survival strategies. received are for young White British To address these differences professionals girls and I’m not convinced that’s how it ‘We’re entering communities that are not Professionals also pointed out that the recommended activity-based interventions is; I think it’s only the tip of the iceberg. our own norm and are outside of [our] reluctance of boys and young men to disclose with boys and young men and finding One young person has actually said that a cultural norm and so are not our norm in can partly be attributed to the lack of work strategies to counteract the possibility that young Asian friend of hers is involved with any respect, really, and we need to work taking place with boys and young men who boys and young men may not engage on a this group of Asian men that the police harder at that.’ run away and experience CSE. However, where regular basis. are investigating.’ work with boys and young men is taking There was a sense that professionals place, professionals emphasised the need for ‘There are only a handful of girls who I need to do more to assess risk among BME a long term approach; it can often take years 3.2 have supported [within a three year period] young people: of supporting a boy or young man before they that are not White British. I believe it is disclose CSE: BME young people because we are not getting into the right ‘I think there is more work to be done organisations thatare supporting these in general in relation to the workforce’s The research highlighted a number of issues assessments of risk in minority groups; After repeatedly running away from his care communities to deliver training to them relating to diversity and culture among I think we’re still not quite there. I think placement Lee was referred to a specialist so they can spot the signs and indicators. Asian, Eastern European, Roma and Traveller there’s a lot of fear around getting it wrong runaways’ project. Years of work took place I don’t think that it is not happening communities. These issues relate to: … about doing the wrong thing, saying the with Lee before he disclosed to his project in BME communities. Perhaps the ■ wrong thing and not understanding and worker that there were only so many nights ■ referrals, access to services and professionals in those communities are not not relating etc. etc. … And we assess risk he could sleep by the canal, or in a car identifying risk aware of how to refer on when there are in a very different times span than say in that he had broken into, and that when he ■■ perceptions of risk and safety in relation to concerns about CSE?’ comparison to a British white girl.’ feels desperate: extended family and family friends BME young people who run away and ■■ non- reporting of young people as missing experience CSE are believed to often be One professional highlighted that there are ‘There’s a flat. If I go there I get booze, get to the police when they run away cultural issues within the project she manages drugs and get somewhere to sleep but I need particularly hidden and entrenched: ■■ a lack of resources to work effectively as the project team are all White British and to take it up the bum to pay for it.’ with young people from a range of BME ‘I’m thinking about girls who are BME there are no BME workers. This professional backgrounds who are heavily involved in gangs … and recognises that, even though the project team To identify, reach and work with boys and ■■ language barriers. even though we probably know more about all work in an anti-discriminatory manner and young men who run away and experience, or them than any other professionals about are aware of a range of cultural issues, there are at risk of, CSE, professionals highlighted Professionals identified that BME young their level of risk, because they engage are likely to be groups of young people who the need to use different techniques than people who experience running away and better with us than others, I think we only will not find the project accessible. The project

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does work with some young people from BME friends or relatives within the community with her to be and when the social worker at every opportunity. … I think this is to backgrounds and ensures that they consider whom it is assumed they are safe: arranged to take her back home, there was do with their cultural values and beliefs and discuss issues with young people relating nobody there to receive her. … It just never particularly in relation to what is okay and to race, culture and ethnicity so that any ‘We’ve got another young girl who is clearly really worked.’ ‘cos of their views regarding outsiders. I issues can be raised and addressed. being groomed by somebody at the local think sometimes they feel that they can deal temple. And that’s really difficult … because Another project’s experience reveals that with issues themselves and that sometimes it actually [means] saying to the family disclosing CSE can also be problematic for they don’t want outside interference.’ Factors relating to perceptions of “well, actually, the temple is the risk”; a young males who may find themselves forced risk and safety of extended family place where they think the young person into marriage outside the UK: A few professionals described how, when and family friends is safe.’ working with young people from Asian ‘[He was] a young man, identified as gay backgrounds, they sometimes work with the Professionals have noted particular cultural This professional warns against using a ‘rule from the Asian culture but not expressing young person when they are at school as this factors that play a part in running away and book’ of indicators across different BME his … sexuality despite lots of periods away is the only way to access them. CSE among some BME groups. For example, communities and suggests that professionals from home. [He was] being befriended one professional outlined how there were give more thought to how they work with by other males who then then abused him Some professionals reported a higher level assumptions that young people were safe different BME communities, rather than … and passed him around. He eventually of resistance to reporting young people as when staying with adults who have a distant taking one approach, as there are different moved out of the area completely because missing to the police when they run away connection to the family: patterns of running away and CSE and w h e n t h e f a m i ly f i n a l ly f o u n d o u t h e among the parents of BME young people. some indicators could be inappropriate or was gay, they wanted to get him an Possible reasons given to explain this include: ‘I’m thinking of a girl who was away for culturally insensitive. arranged marriage.’ the hope the issues can be addressed either six weeks. … She’s Black Caribbean … within the family or by the community; or to and all of her friends are BME. … They Professionals noted that the risks of disclosing One specialised runaways’ project reported avoid having the police involved because of do talk about their absconding and running away and CSE can be too high for experienced resistance from BME young distrust or embarrassment. One professional being missing; “being away” is what they some BME young people: people’s families to their child receiving described how there are particular issues for call it … and they are just staying with support from the project: BME parents relating to pride and reporting friends of friends of friends of family so ‘I think when we look at the South their child as missing to the police when their the connections are very loose in terms Asian community, when we look at risks ‘We have found that many times when we child runs away: of whom they are staying with and still of disclosure for girls in those situations have got involved, there is resistance from really, really risky and those girls have [experiencing running away and CSE], families. Very often the young person ‘One of them is definitely a pride thing been sexually exploited but there’s a sense it [the risk of disclosure] is so high that wants us to get involved and we had to about their child or young person actually that this is the norm for those girls in that it’s better not to disclose. … I do think work with the parents to gain consent. being out of control. With some of the BME community – “it’s okay to just go and stay there is that hidden rump of young Because the young person has agreed to families I’ve worked with it has been a big with friends of friends of family” as, how people for whom it’s almost impossible work with us, they’ve consented but the embarrassment that their child might be they view it, all they did was get on a train for them to disclose without catastrophic parents haven’t.’ out drinking or might be out having sex and stay with a family friend for a few consequences.” with somebody. I think that’s even more weeks. What they failed to assess was that Other projects have also found that while they the case than with White British families actually a gang member in X [home city] Risks of disclosure can include being sent are sometimes ‘blocked’ from working with that we’ve worked with. That’s just a had communicated to a gang member in back to the country of the family’s origin, BME young people who experience running generalisation of what we’ve found over the London and had facilitated that movement being married early or being forced into away and CSE, their experiences of gaining past three years.’ [of girls from the home city to London] and marriage. One project’s experience is that a consent can sometimes be more positive: had concealed them.’ young female was rejected by her family after Other reasons for BME parents and carers running away and disclosing CSE: ‘I have just started seeing a young girl not reporting their child as missing to the One professional cited how, without wanting from the Asian community and, again, I police when they have run away include loss of to make simplistic statements, their project’s ‘We had a young girl where there were was expecting dad to put blocks on it but credibility and the stigma for being perceived experiences of working with BME young graphic images of herself posted on he’s agreeing that I see her again next as not being able to take care of their child. people who run away and experience CSE Facebook and then she got pregnant. So week and take her out. And when I asked has led to the possibility that patterns of CSE she came into care; she had an abortion. if I could speak to her on her own, they differ between cultural environments. For Ostensibly it looked like the family were [the young people’s family] were more Work with Polish communities example, a project that works with young standing behind her but when we tried than happy for me to do that. Whereas, people from mainly Bangladeshi and Pakistani to move her back into the home, when with previous experiences, some of the Professionals from different parts of the backgrounds found that young people who we got there, we discovered that they’d ethnic communities, particularly around country described how they have recently run away and experience CSE may be with sold her bed and there was nowhere for the Muslim community, I’ve been blocked started to work with young people from the

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Polish community. Work with Polish young Another project has started to identify Roma young people. As illustrated by this people has revealed that some Polish parents patterns of sexual exploitation that are Sean stressed how difficult it is for children example of how the project’s attempts to work do not understand why the police are not taking place within the Eastern European and young people in Traveller communities with a young woman were thwarted: able to take certain measures to prevent their communities but are not yet clear about who are gay and/or experience CSE. As children from being sexually exploited: the nature of this exploitation. Through Traveller communities are so closed to non- ‘She was 16 and had two children; the partnership working with agencies working travellers and Traveller children’s attendance oldest was something like three. She had ‘What was happening was that this girl with these communities, the project is trying at school is often sporadic, the only option left run away and left her young children. But was running away four out of seven nights to support Eastern European communities to to children and young people within Traveller before we could get to her, she telephoned a week and she was being found in areas understand CSE. communities is to hope that they have a very us and said “I’m back in Romania now”. of the city the police said they knew were close friend who they can trust and talk too: Firstly, she may not have been in Romania hotspots. And the parents said “well if or, as soon as the Roma community you know they’re hotspots, why don’t you Working with Traveller and “Try and let a close friend [within the realised that the authorities are on to them, just mop it up? Why don’t you arrest these Roma communities Traveller community] know [what is they move.” people [perpetrators of CSE] and lock them happening] who you can 100 per cent trust. up?”. And the police were trying to explain Many professionals reported that they were If you’re gay and want to tell someone, hope One professional raised concerns about why they couldn’t do that and I think not working with young people from Traveller you can have a Traveller friend you can trust Romanian and Czech Roma young people maybe that’s what they would do in Poland communities despite being based in an area 100 per cent.” but feels that it is not possible for her project [“mop up” the hotspots and arrest the that includes them. One professional who to effectively work with them because they people operating in the hotspots]. … They has a personal contact within a Traveller Sean also acknowledged that is very difficult do not have the resources to do so. This [the young person’s parents] were really community has been allowed access on-site: for girls and young women who experience professional also raised the added complexity struggling with how systems work.” CSE to tell anyone what has happened to of the tendency of Eastern European Roma to ‘They’re a very close-knit community. The them and receive support, because of the relocate if Social Care get involved. Professionals from two different projects girls after [the age of] 11 don’t go to school Traveller communities’ expectation that working with Looked After Polish girls and and are usually on the site there; and it’s girls and young women remain virgins and young women described seeing a pattern of very rare that they’re allowed to socialise not engage in any sexual activity until they Language barriers young people rebelling against their parents’ with outsiders. So it’s very very tight and are married: expectations. The two quotes below represent the chances of them [girls] going missing One professional raised how translation issues the experiences of each of these two projects: are pretty slim. We had one case with a ‘If you went down the aisle in a white dress can hinder their work with young people travelling family that were living in a when you weren’t a virgin and you were found who experience both running away and CSE. ‘The ones who are accommodated38 seem to house. She went off with an older member out, you could get murdered for it.’ This professional’s service does not have any have more vulnerabilityto CSE. And I think of the travelling community … [who] lived financial resources for employing interpreters a lot of it is the culture which they came in a house; he didn’t live on-site. Because Sean also described how running away from and often has to rely upon young people from where parental authority or strictness of the age difference, it was still very Traveller communities was a particular acting as interpreters between project staff is very high and then they come to England much frowned upon and also there were weighty decision as there was often no option and their parents or carers: and kick against that. This causes a lot of drugs involved and they [others within the to return: tension and friction within the family.’ Traveller community] weren’t happy about ‘That’s where a lot of difficulties around that. Again, the parents were partly blamed ‘If you want to leave [the Traveller the language barrier come in because all ‘What seems to be coming out is the for it because it was thought they should community], then you’ve got to be certain.’ of a sudden the parents are disempowered shift from a very strict upbringing that have more control over their daughter.’ because the children are the ones leading. is largely based around Catholicism in X [the project], for instance, cannot afford Some professionals identified the need for Poland and the family’s culture around, One project is in the process of planning work an interpreter; it just doesn’t sit in our training that focuses upon working with you know, very strict rules about beliefs, with young people from the local Traveller budget. … There are so many agencies out Traveller communities as they recognise they about how young people should be young community by working with professionals there that just utilise the brother or sister do not have the knowledge or understanding people and not mini adults, so to speak, who have an established, trusted relationship to get the message to mum or dad. And to effectively support young people from balanced against their needs to integrate with the Traveller community. that’s really disempowering.’ Traveller backgrounds. into probably the more liberal culture here. … The initial stuff seems to be around that The difficulties of providing support for A small number of professionals raised kind of confusion around young people Traveller young people were also highlighted how their practice has led to concerns wanting to fit in with their peers somehow by Sean who is a Traveller and gay: about Roma young people. One project has and struggling with where they’ve been.’ limited experience of working with a Roma community and found that there were a

38 The term ‘accommodated’ refers to young people placed in number of barriers to carrying out work with local authority care.

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3.3 not who they initially seem to be. As a result 3.4 and experience both running away and of this work, Brian made a disclosure of CSE. However, there was limited evidence of Young people with serial rape. Via Facebook, a perpetrator had Lesbian, gay, bisexual young women being passed around by a group learning disabilities and given Brian instructions to follow so that he and transgender (LGBT) of women: learning difficulties could rape Brian. The perpetrator repeated children and young people this process and Brian did not know how to Trudy, at the age of 15, was having stop it. Of the 41 young people who participated Professionals highlighted how sexuality can relationships with men. She then came in the research, 17 self-defined as having be an issue relating to young people who run out as gay and started to meet and have a some form of learning disability or difficulty. Young people with learning disabilities who away and experience CSE. Boys and young relationship with a 21-year-old woman who Learning from previous research and also have parents or carers with learning men who are gay are viewed as being at risk assaulted Trudy. The woman then passed practice has highlighted how young people disabilities are particularly at risk: of exploitation because, for example, it can Trudy’s phone number to a 40-year-old with disabilities are at higher risk of abuse be hard for them to meet other gay boys and woman who contacted Trudy. Trudy was then than those without (Stalker & McArthur, ‘Children with learning needs can be young men so they use the internet to meet passed around between a group of women. 39 2010) . The research findings confirm that incredibly vulnerable and targeted by others, which can render them susceptible to young people with a learning disability exploitative adults. And where their sexual exploitation: A second young woman ran away to be with an or difficulty are more vulnerable to being [children and young people’s] parents have older woman: encouraged to run away so that they can be learning difficulties as well, the families ‘It’s quite difficult if you’re a young gay sexually exploited; and that there are added can be at risk. Risky adults gravitate man to actually meet a like-minded young complexities in working with these young towards vulnerable families who are not person so a lot of young gay men will often Sasha’s mum was bisexual and had a 27-year- people to develop their awareness of risk. always able to recognise the level of risk.’ try and meet other young people online and old female partner who lived in Sasha’s family so they get into difficulty that way.’ home. Sasha ran away from home with her Professionals discussed how there are Professionals recognise that it can be difficult mother’s partner. Sasha was not reported to particular vulnerabilities relating to running to fully understand the nature of a learning Professionals also described how it seems to the police as missing but went to the police away and CSE for young people who have disability or difficulty. Sometimes it is hard be accepted among some members of the gay station and self-reported. The police referred learning disabilities or difficulties. One to know if a young person has a learning community that it is the norm to have sex with Sasha to a specialist project that works with project described, for example, how they work disability or difficulty or if their development underage males: children and young people who experience with only a small number of boys and young is delayed because of being subjected to abuse: running away and CSE. men but the referrals they receive relate to ‘It’s almost like it’s the norm; that it’s boys and young men who are on the autistic ‘I worked with one young person and her accepted among older gay people, not all; spectrum. There are concerns about their learning disability wasn’t diagnosed until there is almost this acceptability. You hear sexual health and sexual behaviour rather she was 15. She was being sexually abused them talking about “fresh meat”. It’s really than concerns that the boy or young man is from a very young age but she went to quite derogatory.” being sexually exploited. Brian’s experiences school every day so everything appeared reflect this: to be okay. The young person is now 16, This acceptance of older males having nearly 17. She’s never been statemented but sex with underage males also extends to some professionals, who view this as males Brian has Asperger’s Syndrome and lives we know she has an attachment disorder exploring their sexuality rather than young with his elderly grandparents. The police and is possibly autistic. But how do you people being sexually exploited. This view and school raised concerns about Brian and distinguish what it [the learning disability] contrasts to that of professionals working he was referred to a specialist runaways’ is? It is very difficult. … We just know that directly with young people who experience project. Brian is often used by other boys to the early trauma has had a massive impact both running away and CSE: go into shops to steal and is then left behind on the young person.’ by the other boys. The specialised runaways’ ‘We would see an older man picking up project has a worker with particular expertise a younger man as sexual exploitation in working with children and young people – totally irrespective of their sexuality, with Asperger’s Syndrome who helped Brian actually – and it is very difficult to tap into to understand how to keep himself safe, and that because you are talking about a big to understand that sometimes people are cultural shift.’

Professionals had limited experience of 39 Stalker K & McArthur K (2010) ‘Disabled Children and Child working with young women who are gay Protection: A Literature Review’ Child Abuse Review Vol 21 1 pg. 24 - 40.

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This section of the report outlines ‘I was just another kid in care, another kid in professionals and young people’s experiences trouble. … I’ve had that many social workers and views of responsive and preventative I’ve lost count of them all. … I’ve been moved measures to address running away and CSE from care home to care home and had that and meet young people’s needs. To distinguish many people looking after me.’ between the professionals who participated in the research and the professionals they After being placed in yet another children’s describe, the term ‘research participants’ home, Danny started to run away to be with is used to describe the professionals who a group of young people who took him to participated in the research. parties held by adults. After being given large amounts of alcohol and drugs, Danny Where research participants describe other was taken to a room where a number of men professionals, unless particular professionals sexually assaulted him. Danny describes are cited, this represents a range of how he started to ‘act out’ after this incident professionals who commonly come into and smashed up his room in the children’s contact with young people who experience home. Danny was moved to a secure unit both running away and CSE, including then after returning to a children’s home professionals from voluntary sector agencies, was once again sexually exploited after the police and other statutory agencies. being introduced to adults by young people who lived with him. Danny felt like he had Danny’s story no control over what was happening to him and started to carry out increasingly violent Danny’s family background is one of parental criminal acts. No-one ever asked him why he substance misuse, domestic violence and was doing what he was doing and if there mental health issues. Danny and his five was anything wrong. Danny wanted to tell siblings were neglected and when Danny someone what was happening to him but felt was seven he and his siblings were taken that there was no-one there for him who he into care. Danny was placed in a separate could to talk to: foster placement to any of his siblings and eventually moved into a children’s home ‘The police just thought I was a waste of because his behaviour was deemed too space and got fed up of coming to look for me difficult for foster carers to manage. Danny when I ran away. None of my social workers started to run away overnight when he was stayed around long enough to get to know nine, started drinking alcohol and smoking me. I went to this project for kids in trouble cannabis when he was ten and diagnosed with the law but they just focused on all the with ADHD when he was 12. For a number of things I did wrong. Who was I supposed to years Danny missed his parents and siblings talk too? Who was I supposed to tell what was but believes that no-one got to know him well happening to me?’ enough for him to trust them and tell them how he was feeling:

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Danny has recently committed a violent crime often find it hard to meet these young people’s 4.1.1 not meet their individual needs. Despite the for which he was caught, is awaiting a court needs because of commissioning restraints: Resource issues that hinder importance of taking time to work to meet appearance and been told that he is likely the needs of young people who run away and to be sent to a Youth Offending Institution ‘CSE projects have always been or meeting the needs of young experience CSE, some projects are only able to (YOI). Up until his research interview, increasingly become a bit more people who experience both deliver a service over a short timescale, which Danny had not told anyone about the sexual prescribed in what they can offer because running away and CSE is recognised as inadequate practice: exploitation he experienced. There are no of commissioning.’ specialist projects in the local area to support Research participants described a number ‘I do hear of projects that offer twelve children and young people who experience There are a couple of factors relating to of issues relating to resources that hinder sessions; that’s just engagement. I wouldn’t running away and CSE. Danny has agreed resource issues that facilitate direct practice specialist projects’ ability to meet the needs of even ask a girl or boy to tell me about his that the researcher can tell his Youth with young people. For example, young young people who experience both running or her experiences of sexual exploitation Offending Team (YOT) worker, who Danny people who experience running away and away and CSE. in that time. … You just need to [take the likes, what has happened to him so that CSE can directly benefit when a project is time] to build up a picture of their world.’ the process of providing Danny with some largely funded by voluntary funds41 as this support can begin. enables the project to have the flexibility to Funding cuts A small number of research participants deliver their service in response to the young described how their project funding was person’s needs: Cuts in funding and services have limited coming to an end with no identified possibility The consultation with professionals and with professionals’ general ability and capacity of further funding, which means that the young people revealed a range of factors that ‘We can be creative. We can say “what does to assess young people’s risks and meet service will no longer exist and young people facilitate and hinder meeting the needs of this young person need? Let’s work from their needs: will stop receiving the specialised support: young people who experience both running that place rather than what our service away and CSE. can offer?” and I think that helps us get ‘Everyone in the workforce with children ‘Our funding runs out in March [2013] so the results that we do. And that’s why over and young people has less capacity to from January [2013] onwards I’m going to time, and we are often talking long periods assess children’s risks and levels of needs.’ have to start winding down.’ 4.1 of time, we can make a difference and Resource issues achieve positive outcomes.’ Some projects do not receive any funding to work with young people in the local area who Specialised projects not being able Research participants overwhelmingly While many areas of England have no experience running away and CSE and, while to meet demand identified that for national policy addressing specialised services for young people who these projects are often not able to meet the running away and CSE to work and meet experience running away and/or CSE in one demand for their services, they do work to Many specialised projects provide the only the needs of young people there needs to area there are three projects that directly support young people who experience both services in the local area, and in some cases, be additional funding allocated, as policy work to address running away and CSE, each running away and CSE: their own and neighbouring counties, for without funding will not result in change. covering a different specialism upon boys young people who run away and experience Professionals recommended that there should and young men, girls and young women and ‘We’ve got two part-time workers for the CSE. Many projects are therefore not able to be funding to implement the Tackling Child supporting parents and carers. This ensures whole of the city and we get no funding meet the demand for their services and are not Sexual Exploitation Action Plan40. Funding that a wider range of young people can be from the local authority at all to do any of in a position to employ more workers to enable should also accompany the forthcoming reached and there is specialist support to meet this work; not a penny and never have.’ them to meet it. Research participants often guidance for local authorities addressing their needs. identified that the caseloads being carried children and young people running away The predominance of short-term funding by professionals are too high; that there is a and going missing from home and care. cycles was also recognised as playing a part constant struggle to maintain the quality and Many professionals outlined that a range of in the lack of long-term vision and effective intensity of the work they are providing; and resource issues impact negatively upon direct strategies to address running away and CSE. managing referrals to their service is difficult. practice to meet the needs of young people Alongside ensuring third sector organisations who experience running away and CSE. are adequately resourced, it is also necessary As an example of the impact upon individual There is a general recognition that projects to ensure that statutory services are funded workers’ caseloads and their ability to meet working to meet the needs of young people to provide responses to young people who young people’s needs one professional who experience both running away and CSE experience running away and CSE. described how, in the six months prior to her participation in the research, she received an There was a significant degree of concern average of 34 new referrals per month, which about the limitations that services have to she is trying to address in addition to those 40 Department for Education (2011) Tackling Child Sexual 41 This term refers to income received by charitable Action Plan. http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/c/ organisations through, for example, donations that are not for work within. Young people are often provided young people who she is already working tackling%20child%20sexual%20exploitation%20action%20plan. a specific programme of work or activity. The organisation is with a time limited intervention that does with. To manage this increase in referrals a pdf 23 May 2013 therefore able to determine how this income can be used.

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decision has been made that the professional than somebody inexperienced who may end Professionals also described how sometimes away and CSE, and that the perpetrators of will not meet with all of the young people up being involved and inadvertently not the local authority response to a young CSE may target supported housing projects who are referred but will make a decision providing what the young person needs. … person who runs away and experiences where young people are placed. One research about levels of need and risk based upon the Running away is a field in itself and so is CSE focuses upon placing them out of area. participant described how, as a result of information provided on the referral form: CSE so I do think that [local] areas should When the young person is returned to the being sexually exploited, a group of young have very skilled dedicated workers who local area there is often an accompanying females in a supported housing project began ‘What I do is look at the referral and can cope with that.’ incorrect assumption that this intervention to exhibit some behavioural issues and as make a professional judgement about the has completely addressed the young person’s a result some of them were evicted. The level of need and risk and if it’s first time circumstances and needs: supported housing project was informed by [reported as] missing and it looks quite Lack of appropriate supported a worker specialising in running away and straightforward … then that would just accommodation ‘They have the young people out of the CSE that: be a letter offering them a service at the city [in out-of-area placements] and then agency and a leaflet. Obviously I prioritise Research participants commonly described they move back into the city and it’s like ‘They’re [the young females] behaving like all the looked-after children, those on how it is very difficult to find appropriate the thing with giving up drugs when all that because … they’re being exploited. child protection plans and where I can supported accommodation for young people their friends are drug takers, it’s the same Your unit’s being targeted and you need to see other issues impacting, for instance, who run away and experience CSE; and that with these young people. If they go into a put things into place to prevent that from where there is a history of parental mental there are a number of issues relating to the secure or therapeutic unit, they come back happening, not just evicting the girls.’ health problems, substance misuse, alcohol use of children homes for these young people. and the care package is never as intense abuse etc.’ Professionals outlined how using specific as it was when they were in an out-of-area The research participant who provided children’s homes to address a young person’s placement. So it’s not long before they’re the above quote drew attention to the running away and sexual exploitation can be networking back in that social group and importance of ensuring that commissioning Lack of services for young people problematic as young people have been: they are back at risk again.’ arrangements for supported housing projects include safeguarding compliance elements to Research participants also illustrated how in ‘Taken into care homes, especially those Research participants stressed how the lack protect vulnerable young people and ensure some parts of England there is a general lack that are a bit more remote from transport, of available therapeutic accommodation providers of supported housing are informed of services to work with young people who for obvious reasons, and then we’ve loaded significantly hinders work with young about running away and CSE. experience both running away and CSE. Rural these children’s homes with young people people who experience running away and areas in particular are identified as lacking in who are at risk of sexual exploitation and CSE. Research participants also highlighted In general, research participants stressed support services. Specifically, there is a lack of it actually destabilises that home so that the need for foster care placements where the need for national and local policy and services able to provide the long-term flexible we can’t use it anymore. And then you get the foster carers are trained and supported practice to ensure young people under support required to meet the needs of young young people running away together so to provide care for young people who the age of 18 are provided with safe and people who experience both running away they actually strengthen their networks’ experience CSE: appropriate accommodation and are not and CSE. placed inappropriately, including in bed It can be difficult to continue to support ‘They need to be recognised as and breakfast accommodation. There Many research participants also described young people who experience running away professionals and be trained further in the is also recognition of the need for safe a lack of specialist services to address and CSE when the young person is placed in area and to get that on-going support with accommodation so young people are not individual’s needs as part of a multi-agency an out-of-area placement. For example, one their dealings with young people who have returned home immediately after running approach. Lack of resources results in young person was placed in a children’s home been sexually exploited.’ away when there are concerns about their practitioners with expertise in one particular that resulted in a five hour round trip for home circumstances. field often being expected to work with young her support worker when she visited the Alongside considering accommodation people who have issues outside of their skill young person: options for young people under the age of 16 set, which can have a negative impact upon there is also a need to provide appropriate 4.2 young people: ‘We had to go up fortnightly to do the work accommodation options for young people with her [the young person who had run aged 16 and upwards. Research participants Factors relating to multi- ‘The culture we’re working in at the away and experienced CSE]; it’s a whole described how, due to not being provided agency approaches to moment is you need to be all singing all day out for one of our workers.’ with accommodation or being provided running away and CSE dancing … and it’s just not a reality. And, with inappropriate accommodation, young you know, with cutbacks, you’re expected Placing young people who have experienced people sometimes return to an exploitative Research participants consistently identified to just be multi-talented. … I think there running away and CSE in out-of-county relationship they have left because they feel how multi-agency working is crucial to are specific areas that you need specialisms placements can also result in a young person that they do not have any other choice. It is address the needs of young people, and their in and you need to be fully aware of what becoming disconnected and disengaged also important that housing providers who families, and enable them to move forward. may or may not happen in that area, rather from a service that was supporting them. support young people are aware of running Professionals revealed how there were a

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number of factors relating to multi-agency email her probably twenty times a day. also support practitioners to have contact Working with health professionals working that both facilitated and hindered The links are so strong. Any names she with young people when they return from an work to meet the needs of young people who comes up with that she’s worried about episode of running away: Research participants frequently identified experience both running away and CSE. she just contacts us and sees if we’ve heard how health professionals, such as school about it and we do the same back to her. ‘The schools I work with will say “yep, nurses and Looked After Children nurses, We work really closely together and we’ve pop up [to the school]” and see a young are well-placed to provide information and 4.2.1 got a really solid relationship. And she’s a person when we know she’s been missing support to young people who run away Factors facilitating general really dedicated worker and understands for two weeks and has just appeared at and experience CSE, alongside referring to multi-agency working the issues and it’s been fundamental to the school again. The school will give us the specialist projects. police seeing MISPERS as victims, really, space and the time to do our work with the rather than being “a pain in the arse” young person.’ Working with sexual health clinics and a drain on resources. Her role has Effective working relationships with Sexual health nurses were recognised as been instrumental in changing people’s It is acknowledged that schools can play an other local voluntary sector agencies playing an important role in ensuring attitudes. … We would be lost without her.’ important role in picking up on those young people who are not reported as missing to work goes well with a young person who The ability of voluntary sector agencies to experiences running away and CSE: Research participants also identified how it the police when they run away. Schools can work effectively together was identified as was of immense benefit to have police officers also ensure young people are provided with important to meeting the needs of young ‘Sexual health nurses are fantastic. in the local force who lead on running away support when parents or carers do not give people who experience running away They really get it and there’s been a and CSE: permission for a young person to receive and CSE: support or when it is not possible to arrange strong relationship between them and the agency [the voluntary sector project] over ‘And that’s been really helpful in terms of a to see a young person in other environments, ‘The voluntary sector is working together many years.’ link with an officer who we can just call up by allowing support workers to meet with very well … and that’s a real plus. … I work and ask questions or give information too. the young person on school premises in with another three agencies to deliver my A small number of research participants These officers are really keen to get out school time: sessions [on CSE] and that’s something described how strong links with sexual there and not only meet the young people I’m really proud of and it’s something that health clinics have facilitated their work but also to meet parents and carers and ‘We’ve got some schools that are really means we can reach more children and with young people who experience running meet professionals and foster carers – they good at letting us to see a young person young people.’ away and CSE. In other areas of England, [the police officers with responsibility for in school time when we can’t visit them research participants described how they CSE] get involved in our training for foster at home. Without the school’s support, it Some voluntary sector projects are part of are focusing upon raising awareness with carers. … Once you have a name and a face would be really difficult to see some of the multi-agency sexual exploitation forums, health practitioners, particularly those for someone, you’re much more likely to young people.’ which are viewed as supporting positive working in sexual health clinics, to ensure phone them up and say “are you sure about developments in identifying perpetrators that health professionals are informed of this? Can you help with this?”.’ While a few research participants identified of CSE and undertaking mapping exercises that they often receive very positive recent developments in CSE and are aware of to support identification of the prevalence responses from schools in relation to indicators of CSE and running away: and nature of running away and CSE in the Effective working relationships providing preventative work addressing local area. with schools running away and CSE, some also identified ‘We’re going into meetings with the sexual that other schools do not allow young people health clinic. In my experience, they’re [sexual health professionals] aware of the There is a beneficial impact upon young out of lessons: Strong relationships with the police boyfriend model where it’s one older man people who experience running away and exploiting a young person in a relationship CSE when projects are able to develop good ‘Others get a bit precious about “oh, we Strong positive relationships with the but … that’s not what we’re really seeing: working relationships with schools. As don’t want them missing any of their core police were identified as key by the majority what we’re seeing is young men giving well as developing positive relationships subjects”. I know they [schools] have all of research participants. One project, for young people gifts but not gifts such as with school personnel, some projects have their targets and the rest of it and want example, has developed a very close working mobile phones or hair straighteners – also worked with schools to help them to them [young people] to go to their lessons relationship with the police missing persons’ not such tangible gifts – but giving them recognise the signs that a child or young but it can be quite frustrating if they won’t co-ordinator, which has benefited the project, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs, which the person may be experiencing difficulties in allow them out for an hour or whatever. the police and young people: parents aren’t necessarily looking for. It’s their life and may be running away or being They [schools] highlight the vulnerable like new indicators that we’re seeing and sexually exploited. Developing school staff’s young people and only let them out to see ‘She [the police’s missing persons’ with the GU [Genito-Urinary Medicine awareness of running away and CSE has often us during PE.’ co-ordinator] almost feels like a, well clinic] that’s what we’ve got to tell them.’ resulted in schools taking appropriate action best friend is an understatement really: to meet young people’s needs. Schools can she’s part of the family. I speak to her and

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One research participant described how an Having health workers based within Good relationships with individual Contributing to Multi-Agency Risk established working relationship with local specialised projects social workers Assessment Conferences (MARACs) sexual health clinics has benefited from Having a specialist Child and Adolescent developing a confidentiality policy, ensuring Research participants highlighted how Contributing to MARACs that take place Mental Health Service (CAMHS) nurse based that Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinics having good relationships with social workers within the local authority can effectively part-time at specialist projects was identified are able to pass on relevant information on to supported their work with young people support work with young people who as significantly leading to positive outcomes: the police: who run away and experience CSE. Rather run away and experience CSE because than providing a focus upon running away of the knowledge and information that ‘She’s [the specialist CAMHS nurse] got a ‘They understand the difference between and CSE, social workers have to consider practitioners working directly with young lot of expertise around sexual exploitation. safeguarding and confidentiality so they the range of young people’s needs and people are able to provide: To have that link to actually be able to get actually do share [information] when they circumstances, which can be beneficial as long some of the young people I’ve been working can. … We have the GUM clinic actually as young people receive specialist support to ‘We have a sexual violence MARAC. … with into CAMHS – I don’t think that would passing on information to the police. … address running away and CSE: I’m a member of the panel so I go every have been possible without having that They have one standardised form to share month and sit on the panel and talk about dedicated role here.’ information with the police. Previously you ‘We also have very good relationships the cases that are referred … and we pick wouldn’t have had certain agencies filling with most of the social workers we work up referrals from that process as well. … Specialised projects also benefit from having those in.’ with and I think that’s really important. I’m now also a member of the perpetrator a presence from the sexual health clinic at … We can all support each other in our MARAC as what was recognised from my the project: Despite having good links with sexual health work. Social workers are not specialists attendance at the sexual violence MARAC clinics and being aware that nurses ask young in CSE and need to look at the wider was that we talk a lot about victims and ‘That’s essential in terms of meeting the people under the age of 16 about whether picture whereas we can provide all the then we talk about who the perpetrators are needs of children we work with. If you they have been forced to have sex, research support around CSE. And it’s the same with and actually we have all that information take them along to another sexual health participants suggested that the manner in running away: social care wants to look at about the perpetrators; it’s the same names clinic and there’s a long wait, it is just very which some sexual health practitioners ask the bigger picture and we can focus upon over and over again.’ different being in a young people-friendly young people questions can be problematic, trying to reduce the running away episodes environment. Having it as part of our and is likely to automatically lead young while they [social workers] try to address project makes a world of difference.’ people to say no. There is therefore need for the bigger picture.” 4.2.2 sexual health practitioners to be supported Lack of engagement with Accident and Factors hindering to ensure that they communicate with young Emergency (A&E) departments people in a manner that encourages open Having co-located teams with multi-agency working responses. Sexual health clinic nurses are in a In recognition of the important part that A&E designated workers good position to speak with young people who departments are able to play in providing Lack of support from Local may be experiencing CSE because there is a information about young people who Having co-located teams with designated Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) perception that: experience running away and CSE, one project workers was viewed as an important has made substantial effort to engage with development to improve services for young Approximately a third of research participants ‘It would be okay to talk to GU nurses local departments but has not been successful people to effectively prevent, respond to and reported that, in their local area, there is a because they talk about sex all day and in gaining a response: tackle running away and CSE: lack of support from LSCBs in relation to they talk about STDs and young people running away and CSE, which results in think they will not be judged by GU nurses ‘ ‘Cos they deal with the young people ‘We should have co-located teams … . difficulties in both progressing a multi-agency in the same way that they may be by other who (unintentionally and intentionally) X [name of co-located team working to approach to respond to these issues and in professionals in young people’s lives. … overdose and they need to know what address CSE] don’t use the safeguarding meeting the needs of young people in the GU nurses hold quite a powerful position CSE looks like … and they could give procedures when they work with sexually local area: in relation to children and young people information to the police like what address exploited people – they don’t need to who experience CSE and may be running they pick the girls up from … but we’re not because everybody in their team is sitting ‘There’s just no support from the LSCB, away so it’s about GU nurses thinking getting any response from A & E.’ there already. So [they’ve] got a social which makes getting a response to about their position and thinking about worker, somebody from health, somebody children and young people who run away how they go about asking questions of from the police, somebody from the and experience CSE really, really difficult. young people.’ voluntary sector and somebody from … If the LSCB were on board it would help education. That means they can focus on to get a response from other agencies, the young person. Stuff around prevention, both in terms of raising awareness of the protection and prosecution … they are all need to develop responses to running sitting in that team.’ away and CSE and getting a response from other agencies.’

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Clash of working cultures between collate information and data in some areas ‘Some agencies in the city seem to have Some projects have provided information the voluntary and statutory sectors was identified as hindering the ability of very different guidelines on information that is used by the police and turned services to meet the needs of young people sharing. We’re very much a project where into intelligence. While some projects Several research participants described how who experienced both running away and CSE. safeguarding comes first so if we are have received training on how to present the voluntary and statutory sectors sometimes In particular, poor information sharing was concerned about a young person, we will information so that it can be turned into have different working cultures and agendas reported where young people move across share information about anything else. …. police intelligence, other professionals that can clash and cause problems for young areas. Some professionals were able to identify Obviously we talk young people through identified that there is a lack of knowledge people and their families and carers, who some effective developments in relation to how that system so they understand that from about how project information can be turned find it difficult to be faced with such different information and data is collated and shared, the start. … Some other professionals are into intelligence. They identified that there responses from professionals and agencies. which has both benefited the service offered very precious about information sharing is need across England for training that and support with meeting young people’s and don’t seem to want to share even addresses how projects can effectively collect The Government has acknowledged that the needs. As a consequence of improving how despite the fact that it could make all the information and present it so that police voluntary sector plays an important role data relating to running away and CSE is difference to that young person getting the can, in turn, use it for police intelligence. A in addressing running away and tackling collected and collated it has become possible right help.’ project’s information can be used in additional CSE42. Despite this formal acknowledgement to effectively ‘map out’ the extent and nature ways. One project, for example has mapping a number of research participants identified of running away and CSE in the local area meetings with the police: reluctance from some local authorities to identify which young people are linked to 4.3.2 to acknowledge the voluntary sector’s other young people, and how perpetrators are The role specialised projects ‘We [the project and the police] look at expertise and include it in both strategic connected. can play in providing perpetrator networks and organised and operational responses. Some research crime within the homeless community. We participants stated that they would like to see information about running have young people who gravitate to that more recognition from statutory agencies 4.3.1 away and CSE in the local area world and we know that there are massive within their local area of the value of the networks of crime within that in relation to Approaches to Projects who work directly with young people voluntary sector and the expertise and skills information-sharing sexual exploitation and children and young that it can bring, particularly in delivering hold a wealth of information about patterns people running away, children living in of running away and CSE in the local area. squats and children going to food providers return home interviews and in work with As some young people who experience both Where this information is effectively collated for the homeless. … [I] mapped one sex ‘hard to reach’ young people: running away and CSE do not disclose the and shared there are a number of benefits. For offender who has never been convicted extent of the risk and harm they face, projects example, the formal recognition that a local and all the children and young people who ‘Often the local authorities think that often have to work with high levels of risk. In area does have a problem with young people linked to him and all the perpetrators who the voluntary sector isn’t as skilled and acknowledgement of this, some local areas running away and experiencing CSE: are linked to him. … I took this map to qualified as them. … Just recognition that have implemented measures to improve a meeting with a whole load of criminal we have something different to offer from information sharing across agencies by ‘Historically, some statutory agencies have justice agencies and they were just blown the statutory sector [would help]. Often developing an information-sharing form and stated that there was no problem with CSE away to the point where they were taking we have been able to engage with young delivering training so that professionals can people when they haven’t.’ and running away in the local area and photographs of the map.’ correctly complete the form and ensure that that it was a problem for other areas … but all the necessary information is provided. In now they’re beginning to see that we do one local area completed forms are entered have a problem with CSE and that it might 4.3 onto the police database and flagged where 4.3.3 not be the same model as in other parts of Using Missing Persons Factors relating to running away and CSE is suspected or known. the country but that this area does have a problem with CSE and running away.’ (MISPER) reports to collating and sharing data Improved attitudes and responses to sharing identify young people who and information information and risk is identified as key to Effectively collating and sharing information experience both running improving specialised practitioners’ and can also support a project to have influence at The majority of research participants away and CSE and to ensure projects’ ability to meet the needs of young a strategic level: highlighted the importance of collecting and people who run away and experience CSE. services are linked sharing data and information relating to Many research participants reported that ‘Because of all the information we hold running away and CSE. A failure to effectively other agencies can sometimes have different A small number of research participants that is gathered through our work with described how they use MISPER reports to approaches to information-sharing about children and young people who run away young people, which hinders work to address identify young people who experience both and experience CSE, we have become quite running away and CSE. For example, one 42 For example, the role of the voluntary sector is acknowledged running away and CSE: influential in strategic processes and that in forthcoming guidance addressing children who run away project has a service that works with young and go missing from home or care and in guidance and the feels really exciting.’ people who experience CSE, as well as an early action plan addressing CSE.

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intervention service that focuses upon young 4.4.1 ‘Perceptions such as: “they’re challenging 4.4.2 people who go missing from home, with the Professionals general lack of girls and they don’t want to be supported”.’ Lack of understanding of aim of preventing these young people from ever needing the CSE service. The referral understanding and knowledge Many research participants described how young people’s choices and for the service working with young people some professionals do not understand ‘constrained choice’ More than half of research participants who go missing is via MISPER reports, which that young people’s ‘difficult to manage outlined how statutory sector professionals the project receives on a weekly basis. The behaviours’ are a consequence of the abuse Many research participants described as have a general perception that the local area use of MISPER reports not only provides and trauma they experience. There is need problematic some professionals’ perception does not have a problem with running away important information about young people for work to shift professionals’ perception of that running away and CSE is a lifestyle and CSE and perceive that these issues are but also enables join-up between the project’s young people as aggressive or provocative to choice and stated that they often have to a problem for other parts of the country, two services: recognition that young people who experience challenge such assumptions. Where these despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Some running away and CSE are vulnerable and in assumptions are held there is a distinct research participants described a particular ‘So when I’m made aware of a young need; and that young people’s acts and issues lack of understanding of the concept of unwillingness to acknowledge that CSE is person who may need the CSE service, the often shroud this vulnerability and need. ‘constrained choice’, which stresses how the first thing I will do is look at the MISPER taking place. It is recognised that the failure involvement in exploitative relationships to recognise running away and CSE in a local reports and see how many times that Research participants reported that many is significantly characterised by lack of area can stem from a lack of knowledge which, young person has been reported missing. professionals from a range of agencies are choices for young people as a result of the in turn, forms professionals’ perceptions. As … Because we’re getting those MISPER often not familiar with the complexities of young person’s emotional and/or economic an example of this, one professional cited how reports on a weekly basis, we can really running away and CSE; and that there is vulnerability; and that legislation, policy and lack of knowledge that perpetrators of CSE map out and track someone’s progress, often need to work with a young person for a practice outlines how young people cannot are from a range of ethnic backgrounds had someone’s deterioration and there’s been lengthy period of time to address their issues consent to their abuse. Young people’s lack resulted in a police perception that CSE was times when … we’ve been able to say “well and meet their needs. Research participants of power relating to age, need and social not a problem in the local area because there … that boy can really do with the X [the stressed the need for agencies and workers to vulnerability also makes it impossible to give was no sizeable Asian community. CSE] service” and no-one’s flagging that to improve their understanding of running away their consent to being sexually exploited. us and then I go out to the people involved and CSE; and that this understanding needs While the concept of ‘constrained choice’ is Many research participants raised how there with that young person, often social care, to include comprehension of the risks and not always fully understood in relation to CSE, is still a lot of misunderstanding or lack of and say “do you want to refer them to us?”. complexities associated with running away there is even less understanding in relation to knowledge about running away and sexual I will say, for example, that not only have and CSE. running away: they been missing ten times but they have exploitation among some professionals: been found at inappropriate addresses, Research participants also raised ‘Running away is often seen to be the they’re found in the red light area, etc. etc. ‘Even though we’ve come so far [in relation the difficulties where knowledge and young person’s free choice and not one So we can proactively target young people to sexual exploitation], I’m still up against understanding of running away and CSE based upon circumstances. … In a climate at risk.’ professionals who just feel like this [sexual is held by a practitioner in a post and of criticising hoodies and looking at exploitation] is a consensual relationship not embedded in an agency’s policies antisocial behaviour, running away tends to or they just say “well, they’re over 16 and and processes. This can be problematic get lumped in with this kind of perspective 4.4 girls can have sex with 50-year-old men when the person with the knowledge and rather than being seen as children at risk if they choose to”. Well, nope, that’s not understanding leaves the post and a new or children suffering harm.’ The need to improve consensual, that’s exploitation. I think member of staff is appointed who is not aware professionals’ awareness there is still a lot of misunderstanding of the issues or processes: A few research participants noted that in of what sexual exploitation is, how discussions of a young person’s choice there and knowledge through it manifests.’ ‘If there is a new officer or a new member of can be a lack of recognition that there are training staff who doesn’t understand the process or adults who are choosing to abuse children: ‘You get that “it’s [running away and CSE] they don’t want to understand the process, just normal teenage behaviour”.’ A number of factors relating to improving you are back to square one.’ ‘Whatever the child’s choice, there is always awareness and knowledge of running a willing choice that has been made on the away and CSE were highlighted by both Lack of knowledge and understanding of part of an adult who should have not had professionals and young people who running away and CSE can also lead to sex with that child.’ participated in the research. professionals having perceptions of young people who experience running away and CSE that can be problematic when trying to set support in place:

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4.4.3 4.4.4 While ‘stopping out’ or ‘staying away without home by 8 or 9 pm but they don’t realise Difficulties in relation to Knowledge and use of law, permission’ are included in definitions that the exploitation is taking place in the of running away43, research participants day or [early] evening.’ attitudes and knowledge policy and guidance who work directly with young people who relating to young people’s age experience both running away and CSE often In recognition that young people can be A small number of research participants described how these young people do not sexually exploited during short periods described how being knowledgeable about law, A significant proportion of research always associate with running away: of time when they have run away, some policy and guidance relating to running away participants described how, in their local research participants suggested that running and CSE, and using this knowledge effectively, area, responses to running away and CSE do ‘If I say “have you run away this week?” away should not be defined as being away can improve outcomes for young people. not acknowledge that support should be set they [young people] would say no. If I overnight: in place for young people aged 18 and under Utilising law, policy and guidance can take asked “have you stopped out?”, they would place at the strategic level and when providing where sexual exploitation, or risk of sexual say yes; they don’t see themselves as ‘I think we have to define it as not always an advocacy role for young people: exploitation, features. Research participants running away.’ being overnight or being missing for days. stated that it can be difficult to get other Young people are at risk when they are ‘On the strategic front it’s about using professionals to respond to young people who When professionals use language that away for chunks of time and not accounted policy and law to support our work. We’ve are aged 16 and older: young people do not share, it is not possible for by any individual that knows them.’ got the Working Together supplementary for young people to identify with what ‘It’s just about remembering that when they guidance, which makes it clear that child the professionals are saying to them. It is There are also implications for parents and turn 16, children and young people are not sexual exploitation is a child protection therefore necessary for professionals to carers not reporting their child as missing: necessarily more savvy or got any more life issue and that 16 to 18 year olds can be consider the language they use with young sexually exploited. Sometimes we [use] experience than they day before they were people who experience both running away and ‘Parents and carers often say to us “I know that ammunition when people say that they 16. … Because resources are always being CSE. Research participants also stressed the she’ll come back and she’s never stayed out [young people who are sexually exploited] cut left, right and centre, professionals just need for agencies to have a shared language overnight” but what we’re trying to say is are 16 and choosing to go there [to where decide “we can’t do anything with 16 year and understanding: that if there’s an agreed time for her to be their perpetrators are] and we need to olds” but she is still just a kid and we do back and she hasn’t come back or contacted be able to refer to that guidance, that need to be providing support even past 18.’ ‘There is something around agencies you to say she’ll be late then you need evidence and that law as often we canto working together and communicating to report her as missing. And it’s about be an advocate for that young person at a ‘There should particularly be a greater better and understanding the issues and the importance of giving the parents the time when resources are tight. We’ve got to understanding with children’s services definitely recognising the indicators from confidence to report their child as missing make sure we’re using the law and policy to in terms of when cases do get considered the off. One of the blocks we have is … but, unfortunately, they don’t always get a [the] best advantage. The Sexual Offences because their thresholds are very different the police and children’s services … have very good response from the police as they Act equally makes issues around CSE really from ours, and we will be saying “they to work on evidence, or they do work on say “she’s not missing, she’s only been gone clear so that’s also really important.’ are still a child” and they will be saying evidence. … They’ll be looking at evidence a few hours; she’s not technically missing”. “well, they’re 16 – they can make their and we’ll be talking about indicators and … Just because the child’s not labelled as It can be difficult to ensure the needs of own decisions”.’ there needs to be somewhere in between missing, there are still extreme risks if young people are met when other agencies instead of cases getting “no further action” there’s CSE involved.’ Some research participants also identified and professionals are not familiar with policy, because of lack of evidence.’ law and guidance relating to running away that professionals from other agencies Many research participants also pointed to and CSE. sometimes perceive there not being a problem A few research participants also identified the need for further consideration of the when young people are 15 and 16; and the how it is important to not solely focus on definitions of CSE, as present definitions44 term ‘agency neglect’ was used to describe running away that takes place overnight, as do not always match the forms of CSE some agencies’ response to young people 4.4.5 CSE can also take place during the day: that professionals are witnessing and can aged 15. Use of language and definitions become outdated. ‘Most of our young people are home at ‘We still hear things like “well, she’s Language and definitional issues can hinder night so the exploitation is taking place 15; she’s old enough to make her own work with young people who run away and during the day and after school. Parents decisions”. That’s a constant battle, really.’ experience CSE. Many research participants aren’t too worried if their children are described how the terms ‘going missing’ and ‘running away’ are used interchangeably and sometimes revealed other professionals’ lack of understanding of running away and 44 Research participants were mostly familiar with the NWG acknowledgement that different forms of 43 Smeaton E (2009) Off the Radar: Children and Young People Network definition of running away as presented in Part 1 of ‘going missing’ require different responses. on the Streets in the UK. Sandbach: Railway Children. the report.

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4.4.6 while there is local knowledge and expertise, 4.5.2 Awareness-raising ‘In school, like, we never really got taught processes and procedures are not in place so Lack of clarity around about internet safety. We’d probably get there is: statutory processes Professionals and young people who shown a video in ICT about once a year.’ ‘Lots of good ideas but nothing actually participated in the research stressed the vital Many research participants outlined that, Young people also identified the importance in place.’ need for awareness-raising about running in their local area, there is a lack of clarity away and CSE among the general public, for school-based discussions about sexual and In some local areas the running away and around statutory processes to follow when professionals, parents and carers, and young emotional relationships to include gay and CSE have been amalgamated strategically so a young person runs away and/or is being people. Young people stressed the need for lesbian relationships as well as heterosexual that there is one group of professionals who sexually exploited. For example: increased general awareness-raising about ones. The present focus upon heterosexual deal with both issues at both a strategic and the dangers and potential impacts of running relationships results in those who are not operational level; and have developed a range ‘In my area, there are really complex away and CSE to ensure that young people are heterosexual feeling isolated and unable to of protocols. In other areas, there are separate local procedures when CSE is taking able to identify the risks: discuss both their interests and concerns and about keeping themselves safe in same groups that address running away and CSE place or suspected. It’s really hard for us sex relationships. but with a significant degree of crossover. [a specialist CSE service] to follow the ‘Make sure kids think through what can These two sets of developments are viewed as procedures let alone for other agencies who happen to them when they run away. … If being intrinsic in meeting the needs of young may not be very clear about CSE and how you tell ‘em of the dangers and how it can Training of professionals to people who experience both issues. to respond when there are suspicions that affect them, other people and their family, it is taking place.’ then they might think “oh, you shouldn’t do raise awareness that then”.’ Professionals emphasised the importance Professionals and young people highlighted 4.5.1 of ensuring clear referral processes to ease the need for statutory and voluntary sector Schools and other educational settings are A lack of processes and the process of referring young people to practitioners working with young people to recognised as places where awareness-raising projects that address running away and CSE. receive training to raise their awareness of responses in the local area should take place. Young people outlined Some professionals highlighted how practice running away and CSE and how to respond to to support young people who how there should be more sex education on the ground with young people does not young people to effectively meet their needs. experience running away that includes discussion of running away reflect policy and procedures agreed at the Young people recommended that practitioners and CSE and sexual exploitation so that young people strategic level, and how it is problematic when are more informed and less likely to find who specialise in running away and CSE A number of research participants identified guidance and protocols are not followed: themselves in various situations: should deliver training to social workers: that there is a lack of processes and ‘Because it’s [the local authority] got lots ‘To find out how they should approach responses in their local area to meet the needs ‘[There should be] more sex education in of things in place but the experience and a young person who is in that situation of young people who experience running away schools. If I had learnt more about it in the practice on the ground suggests people [running away and being sexually and CSE: school, I would have realised when I went [professionals] aren’t doing what they online that these guys didn’t want me for exploited] because they [social workers] ‘It is like shutting the stable door after the claim to do. The experience of children is me; they wanted to have sex with me – often go about it in the wrong way because horse has bolted. … On a higher level we not so great.’ that’s it.’ they are not specialists.’ haven’t got the strategic processes in place so we’re still getting the referrals coming As part of the drive to improve sex education in but we haven’t got the processes in 4.5.3 in schools, young people highlighted the need 4.5 place to support those young people [who for more information about and discussion Lack of action and/or Factors relating to the experience both running away and CSE].’ of sexual relationships, which includes slow responses by the local consideration of using drugs and alcohol and local authority authority At the time of participation in the research, use of the internet: There is recognition that, to ensure there are some projects are working with other agencies There was a perception that some local effective measures to support young people to improve processes and responses as they ‘If they’re [children and young people] authorities are not acting in accordance with who experience both running away and CSE in are presently not adequate. It is recognised going to have a relationships with government guidance and will only act: a local area, there has to be acknowledgement that a lack of policies and processes to address someone, [they should] make sure it’s with by the local authority at a strategic level that running away and CSE can also result in the right person before you start smoking ‘If there is a local major incident or if there running away and CSE are connected. A few local authorities failing to provide adequate or drinking with them. … Be aware it’s is accountability to central government; so research participants expressed the view that resources to meet young people’s needs. the right person who you drink or smoke it is a key priority that local government their local authority lags behind strategically with and make sure it’s someone who you must be forced [to address running away in relation to running away and CSE; and that can trust.’ and CSE] by central government.’

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To ensure that local authorities act in that, with the change of social worker, it and CSE in the local area have been more child-centred and less stressful for accordance with government guidance, depends upon their knowledge [of running greatly facilitated by running away and CSE young people. professionals recommended that there should away and CSE] and basically some get it being parts of a social care professional’s be statutory service accountability on how and some don’t.’ job description: they respond to young people who experience 4.6.2 both running away and CSE. In one area protocols from care, or relating to ‘CSE and running away being somebody’s Factors relating to the police young people running away from home who job description rather than someone’s Some research participants described how are on a Child Protection Order, are set in passion in social care is of immense their local authority responds very slowly to place but are not implemented due to a high benefit. CSE might be someone’s passion Having a police investigation young people who run away and experience turnover of staff: who’s working in social care but when addressing CSE in the local area CSE due to cumbersome bureaucratic they leave, when it’s not in someone’s job processes. Professionals who raised this issue ‘This is in the process of being addressed description, it just all gets left on the back A number of research participants highlighted would like to see their local authority take [as] there are discussions going on with burner because it was someone’s passion how having a police investigation into faster and more robust action: the child safeguarding unit … to deliver rather than their role. … Now we’ve got CSE plays an important part in improving training on running away and CSE … and particular workers whose job is CSE and/or processes and responses to young people who ‘We do know there are some little wins we that will be mandatory. Obviously that is running away.’ run away and experience CSE. One benefit could do very quickly. … We know who going to have to be a rolling programme of having a police investigation has been to the perpetrators are and … sometimes it’s because, sadly, there is a high turnover of improve how agencies work together: like pulling teeth getting them [the local staff here.’ 4.6 authority] to see what can be done.’ Factors relating to the ‘Before we had the police operation, some agencies worked really well together but Research participants said that it is 4.5.5 criminal justice system some worked better than others. … Having crucial that the local authority’s delays in Having a lead person within a police operation has forced agencies to supporting young people who experience both The consultation with professionals and really pull together.’ running away and CSE are addressed because the local authority with young people raised a number of factors responsibility for running away the levels of risk and harm experienced by relating to the criminal justice system that One project started practice with young these young people is detrimental to their and CSE focus upon being part of a police operation people who ran away and experienced CSE well-being. into CSE, police responses to running away at a time when a police operation, which A number of benefits were identified of and CSE, and to the criminalisation of facilitated the project’s work, began: having a lead person in the local authority young people. responsible for running away and CSE: 4.5.4 ‘We came in at a time when there was a High levels of turnover of local real drive from local agencies to try and ‘She [the lead person] is now collating 4.6.1 understand the issues a lot better and to do authority staff information so every time a young person Young people’s experiences something about it.’ is reported missing … the police will be High levels of turnover of local authority emailing her [on a weekly basis] with of being part of a police A local police investigation also improves staff were identified as hampering work to the young person’s details … and she investigation into CSE relationships between the police and effectively meet the needs of young people who will have the information about young specialised projects which, in turn, results experience running away and CSE. Due to people involved in CSE and make the links All of the young people who experienced being in the police improving their awareness high levels of staff turnover there are reports between CSE and running away. … We part of a police investigation addressing CSE of running away and CSE and benefits of large numbers of agency staff working with haven’t had this [role and system] for long described this as very stressful and difficult. young people: young people who experience running away and it feels a real positive step forward; and Some young people were not prepared and CSE, which can be problematic: she [the lead person with responsibility for to speak to the police about their sexual ‘I can pop down to the police station and missing and CSE] leads on all the missing exploitation because it was viewed as being talk to their child protection officers ‘For example, I’ve got one young person subgroups and forums and meetings as she too difficult to do so. Research practitioners and they can come to me and share who has had four different social workers does with CSE, so it really helps to have one who worked directly with young people also their worries about children – and that [in a six month period]. … She was person lead on both and know all the names echoed how traumatic it can be for young wouldn’t have happened [before the police accommodated [four months ago] … of the young people who run away and who people to testify against perpetrators of CSE investigation]. … I’ve also been doing some and since then she’s had three different experience CSE and she can line the dots.’ and that the whole prosecution process, Independent Reviewing Officers so there’s including the initial court process, the Crown sessions [to improve awareness about running away and CSE] with the police … absolutely no opportunity for them to make One research participant stated how Prosecution Service (CPS) response and and that wouldn’t have happened either a relationship with the young person. improvements relating to running away giving evidence in court, needs to become … And of course the other problem is last year. I think that’s a really good thing

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and we’re working with the Neighbourhood Responses from the police when young “why didn’t you report your child [to the wanna go back to the children’s home; teams as well as the Community Officers.’ people are reported as missing police] whilst she was missing?“ Well, I I just ran away from there”.’ tried to do that but the police told me I was Many research participants described how wasting their time”…. Parents can be seen Lack of appropriate responses there is a mixed response from the police to be not engaging or failing to protect Improving young people’ experiences from the police when parents and carers report them as their children when actually they’re not but when contributing to a police operation missing after a young person has run away: they’re getting the wrong response [from Professionals and young people who the police].’ Young people with experience of police participated in the research identified that ‘It’s really varied [the response from the operations into CSE outlined a number police responses to running away and CSE police] and some police officers are really Experience reveals that the police do of ways in which the police could improve can be inappropriate. Police responses can great and know what CSE means, they not always respond in a positive manner their response so that young people who differ between police boroughs and individual know the risks and they will actually go when a young person from care is reported run away and experience CSE have a more police officers within one force. As an example out and look for the young people but as missing: positive experience of being the focus of a of this, one professional described how the some [police officers] just see it as a bother police operation. Some young people felt response of one officer was inappropriate and …“do you know how much money this ‘I think there is a difference between the that the police could do more to target the did not reflect overall practice of the local costs … you [the parent] go and find the children and young people at home and perpetrators of CSE: police force: young person” and sometimes that’s really those accommodated.’ not appropriate for the parents to put ‘They [the police] don’t take the cases ‘A young girl was taken to a place like a themselves at risk and when there’s other ‘I’ve got a young person who’s just had [against perpetrators of CSE] as seriously warehouse and all these men were sitting children in the house as well. … If they [the his 22nd missing episode this year who is as they should. … The police don’t do as around drinking and she guessed what was police] are aware that sexual exploitation looked after and I think there is an element much as they should.’ probably going to happen and she started is involved and has been identified … if of “oh no, not again”. If the name appears to cry. The car dropped her off and she they’ve got a social worker involved and/ regularly there’s just an attitude that “oh One young person described how the police went to the police. The person on the desk or a specialist worker for CSE and there well, they are a regular absconder”.’ did not take enough action against an older said “do you think we are a taxi service?”. are high or medium risk indicators then male that groomed and exploited him: The police could have carried out a raid and they [missing reports] need to be acted Young people raised the need for the missed the opportunity. The information upon sooner and the response to parents police to consider how they respond to ‘They never seized his phone or anything could have been turned into intelligence.’ needs to be improved because, in our young people who run away and have been and he was grooming me for nine months experience, the parents really lose faith not reported missing: and I never understood why they [the Professionals who participated in the research only in the police but in other professionals police] never arrested him. … He [the also pointed to police responses to parents because they’re receiving completely ‘When you get reported missing, they [the lead police officer on the young person’s and carers when young people run away and mixed messages.’ police] need to think about what they say case] was like “I’m too busy with other experience CSE: [to a young person] because they’ve never cases [against other perpetrators of CSE] When parents and carers receive a negative or approached me in the right way. They’ll you’ve given me” and I was like “that’s no ‘The police don’t always know what the mixed message from the police after reporting say stuff like “we’ve got better things to do; excuse; he could still hurt somebody else thought processes are of parents. For a young person as missing this can be there could be murderers and robbers and [another child or young person]. Why aren’t example, we had a case where a young girl confusing, as the police response can negate stuff and we’re out looking for you”. Stuff you arresting him?”. I got into a massive ran away for a week and then a uniformed messages given by other professionals about like that and it’s like I’ve not asked to be fight with the police about that and they policeman turned up on the door step and the importance of reporting a young person reported missing and the situations like still didn’t do anything so they [the police] the parent immediately thought that her who has run away as missing to the police: I said before [of being sexually exploited just need to take it [sexual exploitation] daughter was dead.’ during incidences of running away]: more seriously.’ ‘Parents and carers of young people who how do they [the police] not know that Young people emphasised the need for an are involved in CSE are being told by all something has happened?” The length of time it takes to build a case can appropriate response from police offers when professionals about the importance of be problematic for young people as can the a young person discloses that they have been reporting their child as missing but when Young people described how the police should knowledge that their perpetrator of CSE is out subjected to CSE: they go to the police and they report their give more thought to why they run away and in the community: child as missing, they’re being told that that being returned to the place they have run ‘Don’t be judgemental when you [police they [the police] are not a taxi service, away from may not always be the best option ‘’Cos obviously they [the police] have to officers] first meet the young person like have you actually looked for the girl – for the young person: come round and do reports and it takes some police officers when they first met they’re only two hours late. You know, they like forever for everything to be processed. me. … [Some] would make a judgement [parents and carers] could be at a child ‘It’s like they find me and take me back to … It’s taking ages … and I find it really straight away after meeting me.’ protection conference where someone says the children’s home and I’d be like “I don’t difficult when he’s [the main perpetrator] still out there.’

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Young people described how the prosecution 4.6.3 4.7.1 Other practitioners, however, do not receive process was stressful for them and could The criminalisation of young Lack of organisational support the required support and are not able to impact upon running away. Young people ensure that their team are supported as also found it particularly difficult when people who experience running for projects working to address effectively as they should be. To address perpetrators of CSE were out on bail: away and CSE running away and CSE this, research participants suggested that all practitioners should receive quality ‘It’s really difficult. … He [the perpetrator] As noted in section three, research In some cases, where projects are part of a supervision, training and learning from is still out there and the police can’t do participants raised how boys and young larger organisation, research participants practice; and that there should be staff anything about it until it goes to court.’ people who experience both running away described how their work can be hindered by and team professional development and CSE are often criminalised. Girls and a lack of commitment and support from the groups to address and minimise impact young women who experience both running wider organisation to ensuring that projects upon practitioners and ensure they are Need for improved police training to away and CSE are also criminalised, as Lucy’s are able to effectively deliver and continue effectively supported. increase awareness about running away experiences highlight: their work. Some of this lack of support takes and CSE the form of the wider organisation failing to ensure funding continues. There was Lucy has a history of mental health issues also a concern that organisations have not 4.8 The majority of research participants including self-harm. During one occasion of responded to the increased demand for CSE Factors relating to parents identified the need for further statutory running away, she threatened to cut herself services generated by increased awareness- guidance for the police at the national level with a knife and was arrested for being in and carers of young people raising, often as a consequence of the media relating to perpetrators of CSE, along with possession of a dangerous weapon: who experience running accompanying resources. Because the police focus upon CSE, with increased support for these services. Research participants who away and CSE play such a crucial role in addressing running ‘I had a standoff with the police with a knife. cited the above stated that the organisation away and CSE, research participants stressed For about half an hour I held it [the knife] to needs to award some priority to the work the need for a general improvement in police myself and was saying that I was gonna hurt their project undertakes; and to ensure that awareness of running away and CSE: m y s e l f . T h e y [ t h e p o l i c e ] t o o k i t [ t h e k n i f e ] 4.8.1 this priority is shared among other parts of off me and arrested me for having an Being able to work with the organisation. ‘The police are really key in all of this offensive weapon.’ parents and carers of young because they’re the ones who get the people to achieve positive reports when young people go missing outcomes and so it’s getting them trained up and it’s Many research participants stressed the 4.7.2 happening but slowly. … It’s about working need for improved understanding from the Support for practitioners A few research participants described how with the police, training them, making criminal justice system that involvement in working with young people who they worked with a small number of parents them more aware around issues of sexual criminal activities can be linked to running run away and experience CSE and carers who both facilitate and support exploitation; sometimes they cannot really away and CSE. the project’s work with the young person. see the issue of sexual exploitation because Due to the challenging nature of work with Working with parents and carers can improve they don’t have the knowledge, basically.’ young people who run away and experience outcomes and parental/carer support can 4.7 CSE, it is important to provide practitioners make a significant difference: Research participants recommended that all with appropriate support, clinical supervision non-specialist police officers who carry out Factors relating to and time to reflect upon their practice. Some ‘When parents and carers are supportive, ‘safe and well checks’ should receive training specialised projects practitioners receive such support: the difference it makes is huge.’ addressing running away and CSE, so that working with young people they are more informed to recognise where ‘We’ve got really supportive management ‘If you’ve got parents and carers on board CSE may feature in the running away, and who experience both and also get group supervision, which that helps the work. … We find in some be clear about the steps to follow when this running away and CSE is independent clinical supervision cases that parents are key to it really.’ is identified. The majority of research participants on a monthly basis. … That is really acknowledged that there were some issues important in terms of meeting our needs Support work with parents and carers directly related to projects who provide as practitioners [because] it’s really to facilitate their understanding of the specialised support for young people who challenging, and emotionally challenging, importance of reporting their child as missing experience both running away and CSE. work. … Being skilled up and having time when they run away is identified as being to process is really important; having time crucial. One project has made a concerted to think about our work and not having effort to focus upon this and, as a result, panic knee-jerk responses to things.’ there has been a significant increase in rates of reporting in the local area. Parents and

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carers can feel upset when the police arrive 4.8.2 ‘She [the young person] came back from X most improve their practice with young people at their home to search the house after a Parents and carers not [the out of area placement] and we placed who experience running away and CSE would young person is reported as missing so it is her in a children’s home near X [the local be a worker that supports parents and carers. important to work with the parents and carers reporting young people city] and then there was a LAC [Local Some young people were able to recognise so that they are able to understand the need who run away as missing to Authority Care] review and it was decided that parents and carers were not always well- for this to happen. the police she should go home to her mother who she placed to care for and support them and that hadn’t lived with for quite some time. So they needed help to do so: When young people’s parents and carers are As discussed previously, many research she went back to her mother on Friday and able to implement consistent boundaries, participants view parents and carers not by Saturday it had broken down because ‘Some parents don’t know how to be a operate in a manner that is not sanction- reporting young people as missing to the this young woman went out and did what parent. … That’s why kids are finding that oriented and be able or prepared to consider police when they run away as hindering work she had been doing. … She got very drunk, the streets are a better alternative to home. rewarding positive behaviours, this can to meet the needs of young people who run she stayed out all night and there were … If [the] kid’s biological parents don’t directly benefit young people who run away and experience CSE. A few research rows and within 24 hours the mother give a f**k about the kid, then the kid will away and experience CSE. Therefore, some participants stressed how young people who chucked her out. She [the young person] always have a f**ked up life. The kid will practitioners work with parents to achieve are not reported as missing when they run then spent Sunday on the streets … and know [that their parents don’t care about these outcomes. away are more vulnerable to being sexually it was picked up on Monday and she was them] and you can’t just send them off exploited. There is, therefore, a need to work back in care. I don’t know how much work to some foster parents or something and Some projects are not funded to work with with parents and carers to reinforce the was done with that parent to prepare her expect the kid’s life to be grand. … If you parents and carers of young people who run importance of reporting a young person who for what her daughter’s behaviour might help the parents when the kid is still young, away and experience CSE and the focus of runs away as missing to the police. be like and what supportive help she [the so that the parents can become supportive the work is primarily upon young people. young person’s mother] had with that. to the kid and loving individuals, then However, due to the recognised benefits … You just wonder how much work has the parents will be able to support the of working with parents and carers, some 4.8.3 been done with the parents and the young kid through life and the child won’t need projects do support them: Lack of resources to work with person to work out some ground rules and to find validation and support and a way parents and carers of young all that stuff.’ out [of home] because they won’t have ‘We might indirectly offer some support the need.’ to parents. We do sometimes talk to them people who experience both A few research participants stressed the on the phone or advocate for them on their running away and CSE importance of working with the whole family: behalf. We sometimes struggle when the 4.8.4 parents seem not to be supporting the Research participants consistently identified ‘Let’s look at re-establishing the family the lack of resources to work with parents and Parents’ experiences of young person or sometimes encouraging dynamics [and] the positives of being in how professionals behave some of the risky behaviour, so we might carers as a factor that hinders their work with a family. That’s a scary process when the try and reinforce certain messages and that young people: child is so disconnected from that family towards them obviously helps if you have them on board.” and we need to work with the family to ‘We can either work with the young person bring them back together.’ A small number of research participants Of the young people who participated in the or the parents, we can’t do both, and I described how, in an attempt to understand research, only a very small proportion of their haven’t got enough workers to put one ‘Sometimes it takes a long time to gain the push factors relating to a young person parents and carers received support. Where worker with the parent and one with the the trust of the young person and build who is experiencing both running away this was forthcoming young people were able young person so, because we’re X [a child- trust with the parent and the young person and CSE, professionals can sometimes deal to recognise the value of this support: centred organisation], we concentrate on to allow you to work with the parent as with parents and carers in a manner that is working with the young person.’ well, so I think that would be a very good problematic: ‘She [the professional] would mediate development. Some other projects have between me and my parents. … Like at the Research participants outlined how not that [family workers]. … Once you have got ‘Professionals sometimes basically time when I was still talking to guys on enough work is done with parents and that relationship with the young person interrogate the family in terms of “what are the internet, it was much better her [the carers, who often end up being viewed you are then able to do really good family you doing that is causing this?” or“ what professional] talking to them [the young as ‘bad’ parents by agencies, but do not work but it takes time for the young person are you not doing?”.’ person’s parents] than me talking to them, understand what is happening with their to want that to happen. … It’s vital that we ‘cos if I spoke to them, it would always child. Professionals witness parents and need to be working with both the family This focus can detract from the actions result in a fight whereas if I talked through carers not being supported to respond to the and the parents.’ of perpetrators and is disempowering her, it wouldn’t.’ circumstances of their child. For example, one for parents: young person returned to live with her mother Almost without exception, research after being placed in an out of area placement: participants cited that the resource that could ‘Parents do not automatically think “my

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child has run away so she must be being ‘I can see where they’re [her parents] ‘There should be places where kids can but I know they would talk to me about it exploited; she’s being raped tonight”; coming from but they should know I’m go … safe places where there’s people to and not just tell other people what I said their first thought is to say “where the not going to come home without X [Abi’s help them.’ without talking about it with me first.’ hell have you been?”. So when parents are older boyfriend] so if it was my daughter. told “your child has been raped” or “your I’d just say “listen, you both come home; ‘There should be more places they [young ‘My social worker keeps changing and child has been exploited”, they’ve got to go you can both live at mine”. I’d rather have people] can go to for help.’ they never really get to know me or spend through all of that. Yet at the same meeting them both at home being safe rather than proper time with me. … I’ve been with X they would be told what to do. That is knowing they were out on the streets never [voluntary sector project support worker] information overload and they can feel like mind how much it hurt me her being with The benefits of non-statutory agencies for more than two years now and I feel like they are being judged. It’s a lot for parents him [an older boyfriend]. But I’d have to let providing services for young people who she really knows me and understands me. to have to deal with.’ them home because it’s my daughter, at the experience both running away and CSE I trust her … so I’d tell her the truth about end of the day.’ what’s going on.’ There is, therefore, a need for consideration Being a non-statutory agency is viewed as of how professionals communicate and work being a key factor for gaining the trust of with parents and carers of young people who 4.9 young people. Research participants also Ensuring young people are able to run away, so that they can effectively engage outlined how being a non-statutory agency access services them with the process of addressing their Factors relating to direct allows for project workers to implement a child’s running away and sexual exploitation. practice with young people flexible approach and carry out meaningful Some research participants stressed how who experience running advocacy work. Young people who participated access is vital to how a service works to in the research described how it is often support young people who experience 4.8.5 away and CSE easier to trust workers from the voluntary running away and CSE and that young people Parental responses to CSE sector because they were often more able than should be able to self-refer by self-presenting Professionals and young people outlined a statutory sector workers to give them the time at a service. Self-referral is also identified as number of factors relating to direct practice Young people who ran away as a consequence and support they required: supporting strong engagement and retention with young people who experience running rates. Some projects ensure that young people of how their parents responded to their sexual away and CSE. The first set of factors relate exploitation highlighted the need for parents ‘There’s just something about how they can self-refer: to those that support direct practice with [voluntary sector practitioners] work. They to ensure that they are open with their young people: children and show them that they love and just seem to have more time than social ‘Children and young people can knock on care about them: workers and know how to talk to young our door, they can phone us up; they can people. ... They just seem to get kids. … My self-refer in those ways.’ ‘Having someone force you to do sex stuff 4.9.1 social worker’s alright but X [voluntary is awful … and the way my dad acted Factors supporting direct sector project support worker] always has However, it was also acknowledged that not just make it worse. … I felt ashamed as practice with young people time to talk to me and always gets back to many young people who experience running it was without him making it worse. … I who experience running away me when I leave a message. … She takes the away and CSE do self-refer but that work can would have liked my mum and dad to have and CSE time to listen to me.’ snowball to other young people: talked about it with me and tell me they were sorry it had happened and to have ‘I don’t tell me social worker anything. … I ‘Because of the so subtle ways that they don’t trust social workers. … I don’t really [young people] are sexually exploited, they supported me.’ Providing more services for know why. … I trust X [the young person’s don’t come to us with their hands waving young people Where young people have run away to be with voluntary sector project support worker]. … saying “I’m being sexually exploited; can I like all the staff at X [the voluntary sector you help me?” … What we do get, however, an older adult who they view as a boyfriend Young people identified the need for more project]. … I used to come in here, kicking is piggy back referrals so we start working or girlfriend, there was some suggestion from services where they can just turn up and off and that and they always stuck with with one young person … and because of young people that parents and carers should where there are professionals they can talk to: allow the relationship to continue to ensure me and let me calm down so I felt like they our work with him or her, we’re made aware would stick with me. … My social worker of all of their friends that are vulnerable that their child remains living in the home ‘There should be places where kids can go tells me off if I swear and I just don’t feel and involved in such risky behaviours. And and is kept safer. Abi, for example, whose to tell someone what’s happening to them – like I can be myself with her or tell her stuff we ask them [the young person that the parents will not allow her to return home someone who will believe them and be able in case she goes running off to me mum or project is initially working with] to bring unless she leaves her older boyfriend, has to help them and know what to do for the the police or whoever. … I know that the in their friends. We make a Care Pathway some understanding of her parents’ response best. I know there’s Childline and that but workers at X [the voluntary sector project] for their friends whilst trying to keep it but thinks it is more important to ensure a there’s some things you don’t want to say have to tell the police and social work boundaried so that the original young young person’s safety: over the phone. Kids want to go stuff if they think I’m gonna be harmed person has their own worker and the friend somewhere where there’s people they can talk to face-to-face.’

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gets a different worker. Young people can ‘Someone who listens to you and actually we begin to see the changes that the young ‘She [the young person’s social worker] often not identify their own risks but can shows they understand me and other people are beginning to make. Obviously it understood us and that. She wasn’t identify their friends’ risks. … They’re young people.’ did take a long time to build up the trust. forceful, if you know what I mean? She really good at caretaking for their friends.’ … We’re also hearing from professionals: used to explain why we shouldn’t be doing The importance of professionals showing the feedback … is just how well the work is things like that [running away and having ‘I’ve often got young people in [to the young people that they care was stressed going because we’re in the young person’s sex with older males] … and what was specialised support service] through their time and time again by the young people who lives for such a long time.’ acceptable like.’ friends. They are sometimes more at risk participated in the research. As well listening than the young person they have been to young people, care can be shown by Research participants emphasised the Many of the young people who participated referred by because they are not known to asking young people about their experiences importance of providing young people who in the research commented upon how it was services. We’ve got that flexibility to say and feelings. run away and experience CSE with a worker important for practitioners to work in an “well, actually, we can offer you support”.’ who consistently works with them: informal manner with them:

Providing outreach work ‘Consistency is really important. … I have ‘We’ll go into town for a coffee. … It’s like Providing support in a warm and a young person who I have been working having a friend who’s also guiding me.’ friendly environment Both professionals and young people with for four or five months and she now recognised outreach work as being effective has her fourth social worker and I’ve been Young people also stressed the importance Some practitioners identified the importance in engaging and meeting the needs of young there from the start. I think consistency of professionals that do what they tell young of ensuring that work with young people takes people who experience running away and of workers is something that they [young people they will do: place in a warm and friendly environment that CSE, and crucial in reaching young people people who run away and experience CSE] operates in a young person-friendly manner to who are not referred to support services: really really like: actually having the same ‘She [the young person’s social worker] facilitate positive engagement: worker consistently and knowing that was mint; absolutely mint. If she said she ‘I had to be referred to get help [when the they’re going to be seeing them every week was going to do something, she’d do it ‘The project itself is a very warm and young young person was living on the streets and actually building up that relationship straight away.’ person-friendly environment. I think this and being sexually exploited] and I reckon with them.’ has a really positive impact when we try kids [who run away and experience CSE] Young people are realistic that sometimes it to start engaging young people. They do need somebody to go to them when they It is important that practitioners who work is not possible for a professional to do what actually come into the building and think are living on the streets and to help them. directly with young people who experience they hoped they were able to in support of the “oh this is very nice”. It’s very homely … I’m sure there’s [young] people living both running away and CSE have the skills young person. However, it is important that and very different from a lot of the social on the streets who don’t know this place to work with boundaries and a structured professionals explain why they cannot do what service buildings and other projects that [a specialist support service for children manner while presenting to the young person they said they would so that young people can they have been to.’ and young people who experience CSE as warm, approachable and caring: understand why and are not left to feel that and children and young people who go they have been let down again by an adult in Presenting support to young people in a missing] exists.’ ’So there’s a lot of crisis response work their lives. caring and non-judgemental manner, which and ensuring there are boundaries in … includes active listening, was recognised as a very warm, very nurturing way, very part of what is necessary to provide support in Young people’s requirements from approachable way, and it takes a very Providing a flexible approach to work a warm and friendly environment. practitioners working to support them skilled worker whose very confident at with young people who experience holding that because, to the naked eye, running away and CSE ‘Taking them for coffee and chatting with A few research participants highlighted how it just looks like you’re very woolly and them; it’s more relaxing.’ young people stated that what they wanted ‘having a chat’ but that chat is what Having a flexible approach is seen as from a support service is a practitioner who changes things.’ crucial when working with young people works with them long-term: who run away and experience CSE, so that Listening to young people Young people described the benefits of having work can be tailored to individuals. One ‘When we wrote the initial bid [to gain a good relationship with a professional as research practitioner described how different Young people stressed the importance of funding to provide the service] we did being paramount. Certain attributes such as approaches had to be taken to work with professionals listening to them: some consultation with young people who showing understanding of the young person boys and young men than with girls and were really clear that they wanted a worker and explaining rather than telling them why young women: ‘She [the young person’s support worker who would stay in their lives for as long they should and should not be doing certain from a specialised runaways’ project] just as was necessary. So ‘stick-ability’ is what things facilitate a good relationship: ‘The boys in particular, they don’t want listened to me and I just told her how I felt. I’m talking about: someone who will stay formal appointments; they want to go out … I just felt like someone was listening with them for a long time to build up the and talk while they’re doing rock climbing to me.’ trust. … At about the seven month stage

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or whatever and that’s the model that we’ve child’s ready do we move to the much more It is intrinsically important that support for ‘And when she [the young person] came adopted and that’s been borne out by the private sensitive work around them and young people continues to be provided while back [from running away], X [the young progress we’re seeing a year down the line.’ their experiences.’ they continue to run away and be involved in person’s support worker] spent 20 hours sexual exploitation to deal with issues that with her over three days.’ Other research participants stressed the need As well as carrying out structured work arise; and to still be there until the young to be flexible in relation to how often they related to identify issues, there is also need for person is ready to address their running away are able to meet with young people and work projects to support young people with events and sexual exploitation: Ensuring young people who with them: and issues that arise as the structured work is experience both running away and CSE being done: ‘I think you have to keep that support in are provided with practical support ‘Able to be flexible with seeing young place even when the young person isn’t and have their basic needs met people means if there is a crisis, I can see ‘We also manage those crises in between. listening and continues to run away and young people many times during the week.’ … So if their foster placement has broken have sex with older men so that when they Research professionals working with young down or their relationship with their realise what is going on, there is support runaways stressed the importance of ensuring To achieve positive outcomes it is necessary abuser has gone tits up, they will come in place for the young person. … Don’t just their basic needs are met before carrying out for young people who run away and to us in a crisis because of how we work brush them aside because they can’t be other work with them: experience CSE to be willing to engage with them.’ bothered at the time. To be honest, it’s at with the support offered by services and to the time that they can’t be bothered with ‘We can’t expect a child to have structured give their willingness on a voluntary basis. the support when they don’t realise the therapeutic support when they’re in crisis, Therefore, to encourage engagement,it is Acknowledging that it may not be possible situation that they’re in.’ if they haven’t changed their underwear for very important to work in a way that fits with to prevent a young person from running a week because they’ve been missing. They the young person. Some of this relates to away and experiencing CSE but providing ‘Sometimes there’s nothing you can do to need to come somewhere safe and have a working at a pace that fits with the individual support for long-term benefit get a kid to stop right there and then doing shower and get some clean underwear and to slowly engage them and get to know them what they’re doing [running away and brush their teeth and get some nice smelly as a person and not just as someone who runs Some young people identified that when a being sexually exploited] but there needs to deodorant on – whatever it may be: we’ve away and is sexually exploited: young person is embroiled in running away be someone to be there for them and to chat got a clothes store, food, everything; and and being sexually exploited, it can be very to them.’ have their basic needs met.’ ‘In the early stages of our work it is about difficult to do anything if the young person engaging with the child and getting to does not realise that they are at risk and It is also necessary to work hard to Linked to the above point, young people know the child for them, and not because being harmed: maintain contact with a young person during recommended that when working with young they are having lots of sex or taking drugs an episode of running away and also, even people who are engaged in survival sexual or because their foster placement has ‘If the child believes that the life they are if there is not face-to-face or direct work exploitation after running away from home broken down, but simply because they are leading [after they started to run away and with a young person, to ensure that other or care, it is necessary to give thought to a person and we need to look at their lives become involved in CSE] is 100 times better agencies are working to address the young alternative survival strategies other than holistically rather than just the problems.’ than the one they were leading before person’s needs: selling/exchanging sex. Until alternatives because they feel like they’re in control and are set in place, it will not be possible for Through effective engagement and they’ve got a regular income … unless the ‘So, in relation to a girl who was away for the young person to consider withdrawing assessment work that is built upon getting child wants to be helped and the parents six weeks, we made phone contact, we themselves from those situations where they to know a young person, it should become want to help, there’s not a right lot you had text contact and we tried to hook her are sexually exploited. apparent when the young person is ready to can do to get the child to move away from back in; we made sure the local authority start the more structured work, which should the streets.’ was doing what they should be doing and be undertaken in a manner that does not we contacted other services in X [the city Providing a range of support cause pain or distress: At some points, it is not possible to do where the young person had run away to]. anything to prevent them from running away We worked very closely with the police. So Young people who have experienced both ‘Only when a child is ready can we do and being sexually exploited: there was a lot of work happening but no running away and CSE and received support that structured support. It’s very much direct support.’ from specialist projects described how they based upon on a third person account of ‘I don’t think that there was anything have received a range of support to meet what’s happening. Children find it too anyone could have done. … Lots of people Once a young person returns from a running their needs, which has resulted in positive painful to talk about themselves and the did a lot for me [to support the young away episode, there is also a need to work outcomes for them: experiences they’re having so we do a lot person so that she could stop running away closely with them after their return which, of third person: “so if that was your best and being sexually exploited] but I just in some cases, can take a significant amount ‘I’ve changed my life around [as a result of friend or your sister, what messages would didn’t listen.’ of time: the support received from the specialised you give them?”. And it’s only when a voluntary sector project that addressing

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both running away and CSE]. … Like, Research participants recognised that it was care about you”. And it did help me because Young people recognising that they they’ve helped me get back home; they’ve important to reward young people who run he had been through this.” have been abused and that they are not helped me with a lot. … Even though I’ve away and experience CSE because of the often at fault been back home for a year now, she [the negative labels that are attached to these ‘’Cos when you’re like a young teenager, support worker] still sees me to make young people: whatever adults say you’re like “whatever: I Research participants working directly with sure I’m alright and makes sure I’m not don’t care”. Like when you’re at school and young people who run away and experience hanging around with the people I used ‘Everywhere they go there is negativity. a teacher tells you off you’re like “okay” CSE have identified that it is when a child or to hang round with. … She meets up with It’s almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy and when parents tell you off you’re like young person is able to recognise that they me regularly, like, and if I’m upset or need because they get labelled naughty or not “whatever”. So when someone’s [an adult] are being abused that work is able to move in somebody to talk to like, I can just call her very good and think they will live up to telling you not to do something, you’re like a particularly positive direction: up and I know she’s there’s. … And I trust that label.’ “well, why shouldn’t I?”.’ her and that. … And she teaches me about ‘The most powerful thing is when a girl things I never knew like, ‘cos I never went Young people also stressed the role that is able to recognise that what she has to school, I never knew about sexual health Peer support other young people with experience of experienced is abuse and for them to and sexual relationships and missed out both running away and CSE can play in the stop blaming themselves and thinking of on lessons about drugs and stuff; and she Some of the young people who participated in preventative work: themselves as a “slag”: “well, everyone teaches me about stuff like that.’ the research have been provided with support keeps calling me a slag so that’s what I that includes work with other young people ‘Like I think you’ve got to find a young must be”. And this [the realisation that they who have experienced both running away and person [whose experienced both running have been abused] doesn’t happen with all Ensuring responses focus upon a young CSE, and found a number of benefits of this away and CSE] who’s willing to do that young people at all but some of the young person’s future as well as the past peer support: because I think it will get hold of the girls people say “I see what’s happened; I know and they’ll start thinking “oh my god”.’ why they [perpetrators] picked me; I know Young people who have experienced both ‘Hearing what they’ve been through. … how they managed to get me to do it all and running away and CSE stressed the need to We could trust each other and talk about Gay boys and young men outlined how it has I see that’s not my fault”.’ ensure interventions focus upon the young what we’d been through. … I just felt like been very helpful to become part of a lesbian, person’s future: connected to them all because we’d all been gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) group through the same stuff. It was really good and attend sessions with the group, as this 4.9.2 ‘All I did was talk about my past. What I being with other young people who’d been reduces their isolation, enables them to meet Factors that hinder direct wanted somebody to do was to be there and through the same stuff as us. .. Knowing other gay young people and receive support. to help me with what to do with my life in that it’s not just me [who’s experienced practice with young people the future. … I wanted help to move on in running away and CSE]. I don’t have to feel who experience running away the future but all they [support workers] ashamed of myself … and I started getting Providing creative means for young and CSE kept doing was dragging up the past.’ all my confidence back and stuff.’ people to express themselves Professionals and young people also identified Young people with experience of both running While some young people like to talk about a range of factors that hinder direct practice Rewarding young people who run away and CSE described how it can be their experiences of running away and CSE and positive outcomes: away and experience CSE when they do effective to talk with other young people who and how they feel, other young people find something ‘right’ have experienced both running away and CSE: talking difficult and prefer alternative means of communication. A number of the young Having to stop work with young people The importance of rewarding young ‘I wasn’t taking any notice of what X [the people who participated in the research when they reach the age of 18 people when they do something ‘right’ young person’s support worker from the described how using creative outlets, such was emphasised: specialist sexual exploitation project] was as art or writing, allowed them to express Many research participants emphasised saying so he got this guy who was 18 and their feelings in a way they were more that running away and sexual exploitation ‘The children and young people we work had similar experiences as me to come comfortable with. does not stop when a young person turns 18 with often don’t get rewarded when they and talk to me. … It helped because it was and neither do the risk or impacts. There is do something “right” but are often pulled like another view of what I would see in a need to have flexibility about when work up and receive attention when they do three years’ time. … He [the 18-year-old with a young person stops, rather than an something “wrong”. … [Rewarding] male] was like ‘I know how it is: it’s like the assumption that work automatically stops demonstrates to our young people that they best thing in the world and you think they when a young person reaches 18. One are worthy, and worthy of recognition.’ [perpetrators] all love you but they do not; professional described how she has worked they genuinely do not love you; they don’t with a young female for more than six years and the work had stopped because the young person has reached 18:

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‘The young person was part of this project long periods of time as they are generally ‘Professionals need to speak with children when you return [from running away]. Like from the age of 12 and she needed that. She mistrustful of agencies. and young people themselves and not go on for two or three weeks after [running away] popped in recently and I can just see that ■■ The ‘macho’ heterosexual males as they are what other professionals say about them.’ I did feel like I still wanted to run away and her outcomes are still not brilliant but had ‘playing into the masculine stereotype’ and that’s when people like my social worker she not had that long-term intervention are unwilling to disclose that exploitation ‘My social worker got most of her were like “you shouldn’t have done it; you from our project, I’d question whether she’d has taken place. information about me from a duty worker were silly”, like preaching. It just makes be alive. … We are working with some of but most of it would be wrong and she [the you want to get away from it again.’ ■■ Younger children, such as those aged 11 the most vulnerable young people with young person’s social worker] would be and under, due to difficulties in explaining poor attachment history and … their needs like, before a meeting, “why’ve you done Another young person stressed the the risks of running away and CSE and to be a long-term investment [in work with this?” and “why’ve you done that?” and I’d importance of not ‘nagging’ young people the lack of resources for working with young people].’ be like “what you on about?”. Because she about the risks of running away and CSE but, younger children. hadn’t spoken to me about it, she didn’t as an alternative, tell them about the stories ■■ Those who have had a number of know what she was doing.’ of other young people who have experienced Professionals finding some young professionals involved with them over a both running away and CSE: people who run away and experience number of years as they become ‘fed up’ Young people also described how sometimes CSE difficult to engage of professionals ‘dipping in and out’ of their social worker had failed to keep an ‘Don’t nag at them [young people]. … Tell their lives. appointment and had not informed them that them, like, my story and tell them that it Research participants working in specialised ■■ Those who have not developed any trusting they were not able to meet them as planned. happened and it will happen. … And don’t projects identified that there are groups of relationship with adults. This could be distressing for young people and just tell that it will happen – you’ve got to young people who run away and experience ■■ Those who have a late diagnosis of ADHD. reinforce their negative perceptions of their make them believe that it will happen.’ CSE that they find difficult to engage. These self-worth: young people include: ‘I was waiting where me social worker Issues relating to young ■■ Those who are not reported as missing Young people experiencing a lack of had said we were gonna meet and she people’s families as it is not possible to identify who these time from social workers just didn’t turn up. There was no text, no young people are and work with them nothing. She just left me there waiting for Research participants often described how (where there is reliance upon referrals Young people who were allocated a social her. … She said later that something had issues relating to the families of young via MISPER reports, and a lack of worker often described how they see very little come up but she could have let me know. people who run away and experience CSE outreach work). of them and would have liked to have seen their social worker more often: … It just made me think even more that I can negatively impact upon their direct work. ■■ Those who run away for long periods of wasn’t important.’ Specialised projects work with a significant time and/or are internally trafficked, as ‘I hardly ever see my social worker … proportion of young people in the care system, their longer-term absence can make it she doesn’t really know what’s going on Professionals who young people perceive which highlights how family breakdown very difficult for projects to continue their with me.’ as failing to do what they tell young people features in the lives of young people who run engagement with, and support of, the they will do, and not informing young people away and experience CSE. Family breakdown young person. ‘I haven’t seen my social worker for months. that they are unable to do that previously can have a range of impacts upon young ■■ Those who have experienced running away … Yeah, I’d like to see her more often; then agreed, are described as being particularly people that make it hard to effectively support and CSE and then become entrenched in I’d feel like I was getting some help.’ unhelpful to young people who run away and them. Among those young people who do ‘red district culture’ as they often become experience CSE: not live in care, family issues, particularly wary of, and adverse to, services and it can substance misuse and mental health issues, be difficult for professionals to access these Practitioners’ poor communication ‘She [the young person’s social worker] just are prevalent and play a significant part in young people. with young people who experience both doesn’t do anything. She says to you “oh young people’s involvement in running away. ■■ Roma children and young people: as running away and CSE yeah, I’ll do it” but she never does.’ This can also negatively impact upon projects’ professionals recognise that they do not work with young people. possess knowledge or understanding Some young people identified how statutory Young people described how it doesn’t work of the different Roma cultures or family practitioners sometimes communicated when an adult professional ‘hammers’ it structures and require training and poorly with young people. Young people gave in to them after they return home from an Lack of recognition by young people support to be able to enable them to work examples where a practitioner, whose role incidence of running away where they have that they are being sexually exploited effectively with these young people. it was to support the young person, did not experienced CSE: As noted previously, young people’s ■■ 16 - 18 year olds where there is no statutory communicate directly with them but relied recognition that they are being sexually safeguarding involvement. upon what was often incorrect information ‘It’s not good to like hammer it in to them from other professionals: like “you shouldn’t do this” and “you exploited can support work to meet their ■■ Those who have fended for themselves for shouldn’t do that”. Like you do feel uneasy needs. Research participants cited that where

90 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 91 Part four: Part four: Professionals and young people’s experiences and views of measures to address running away and CSE Professionals and young people’s experiences and views of measures to address running away and CSE

young people do not recognise that they are being sexually exploited it can be very difficult to work with them and effectively meet their needs. The existence of a range of complex factors that lead to a child or young person not realising that they are being exploited highlights the need for long-term intervention:

‘One of the most difficult ones [hindering factors] is that young people don’t recognise their exploitation and so that is a challenge in itself. … The young people are needy, they want love and a sense of belonging and that’s what exploiters home in on. … It may be the only love they’ve [young people] experienced is in the context of sexual abuse. Some of these children don’t have any experiences of safe supportive adults and they distrust professionals, obviously. It’s not a quick fix: some of them have really poor attachment history; there needs to be long-term work.’

92 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 93 Part five: Discussion of the it is suggested that return-home interviews Ensuring young people feel cared research findings are carried out by specialised voluntary sector for and listened to agencies. The research findings suggest it is good practice that specialised running away Young people feeling cared for and listened and CSE projects receive MISPER reports to were themes that recurred throughout in order to identify young people at risk. the research, both as explanations for the However, it is important to acknowledge that, relationship between running away and CSE as the majority of young people who run and as necessary requirements in providing away are not reported as missing, alternative effective responses to young people who measures need to be established so that these experience both running away and CSE. young people are not overlooked. Young people feeling isolated is another key The research addressing the relationship to attend parties where they are sexually theme that linked running away and sexual exploitation. Previous learning from research between running away and CSE has produced exploited. Other factors in a young person’s Meeting young people’s basic needs a number of findings that highlight the life can also lead to their running away and and practice has identified the vulnerability different forms that this relationship can take, to exploitation. For example, young people of Looked After Children to running away As sexual exploitation may represent a and learning related to professionals’ and who feel isolated may turn to the internet to and CSE. The experiences of young people survival strategy for some young people young people’s experiences of preventative alleviate their loneliness and find themselves who participated in the research and spent when they run away, it is crucial to ensure and responsive measures. This section of groomed online and encouraged to run away. time in care revealed that feeling uncared that their basic needs are met so that young the report offers a discussion of the research It should also be acknowledged that young for in their care placement was a significant people do not have to engage in risky findings and provides a context for the people’s running away and CSE can take factor in running away and becoming involved survival strategies. At present, in most parts evidence-based recommendations presented place separately and not be directly linked, in sexual exploitation. This stresses the of England, there is a lack of support and in the following section. These final two yet be indicative of a young person’s importance of ensuring that Looked After safe places for young people when they run sections of the report identify how the vulnerabilities based on their experiences, Children feel cared for, listened to, and are away and many young people do not know research findings have implications for the issues and difficulties. placed with carers who understand their where or who they can to go for support. This national context and policy framework, the needs and the factors that contribute to makes them vulnerable to exploitative adults local strategic context, and service delivery running away and CSE. who present as offering support and/or lead alongside the community, families and Responding to incidences of young people to have constrained choices. young people. running away Once young people are entrenched in street Acknowledging and accepting young life and sexual exploitation, they have to be people’s desire for sex As noted by guidance addressing children offered concrete support that, at the very 5.1 who run away and go missing from home or least, meets their basic needs so that they can care, any incident of running away should be Young people’s sexuality and desire for sex Recognising the see a realistic alternative to running away and can be challenging for parents and carers, taken seriously, recorded and a response set relying upon dangerous survival strategies. relationship between in place in accordance with the young person’s professionals and adults to confront. However, running away and CSE circumstances. Some young people are in order to ensure that young people are unscathed after an initial incident of running protected and able to make informed choices, Providing appropriate responses it is necessary to acknowledge and accept The research has outlined how the away while others are subject to horrific to disclosures of CSE their desire for sex while supporting them relationship between running away and CSE sexual exploitation. Running away can increase vulnerability to sexual exploitation in to understand the risks and consequences of can take a number of different forms and When a young person discloses CSE to an many ways and, in some cases, this seems an engaging in sexual activity and ensuring they can shift for individual young people who adult, be it to a parent or professional, it is almost unavoidable outcome of running away. are able to keep themselves safe. may experience more than one form of this vital that their disclosure is responded to It is therefore crucial that young people who relationship. The form that the running away appropriately and they feel they are taken are reported as running away, either through takes can be directly linked to the model of seriously. Initial responses that indicate a a Missing Person (MISPER) report or by self- CSE that a young person experiences and, young person is not believed or is to blame reporting, receive a return home interview similarly, a young person’s experience of for what has happened can be damaging and that is carried out by skilled professionals running away can increase their vulnerability lead to further episodes of running away and with knowledge and understanding of to particular forms of CSE. increased vulnerability. running away and CSE. For example, some young people run away and encounter sexual exploitation as part of Given the advantages that the voluntary their survival strategy and others run away sector can bring to work with young people,

94 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 95 Part five: Part five: Discussion of the research findings Discussion of the research findings

Young people’s perception of risk, the police’s proposed changed definition people’s experiences, which can be used by and/or sexuality rather than as young people choice and control of missing, which states that a missing professionals in their daily practice, thus who are experiencing, or are at risk of, harm person is: promoting a shared understanding in both through running away and CSE. Similarly, Young people’s descriptions of their operational and strategic contexts. young people who are labelled as ‘challenging’ experiences of running away and CSE ‘Anyone whose whereabouts cannot be can be defined by their behaviours rather reveal how they can perceive risk, choice, established and where the circumstances than by consideration of how their behaviours constrained choice and control. For example, are out of character or the context suggests Recognising that the majority can be indicative of abuse, distress and young people may consider it safer to initially the person may be subject of crime or at of young runaways do not trauma. These perceptions can prevent the meet adults online rather than face-to-face and risk of harm or themselves or another.’ experience CSE identification of a young person’s needs and assume that that they have undertaken some (Ibid)46 the required response from being set in place form of risk assessment through ‘chatting’ The research findings indicate that the and, ultimately, in a failure to effectively online to adults. While these perceptions may majority of young people who experience safeguard them. not match those of professionals and other Consideration of definitions of running away do not experience CSE. This adults, they do inform young people’s actions, running away and CSE is supported by previous research that The indication of high numbers of young or their non-action, and require further highlights how young runaways may not people with learning difficulties experiencing both running away and CSE reveals how consideration if we are to understand how and This research has revealed that present experience sexual exploitation but have particularly vulnerable these young people why a young person has become involved in definitions of running away and CSE are not a range of other risks in their lives and are; and that preventative and responsive running away and sexual exploitation. always helpful in responding to young people are subject to other forms of abuse (Rees, measures should account for their specific who experience both running away and CSE, 2011; Rees & Lee, 2005; Safe on the Streets needs. The limited evidence provided by this or their parents, carers and the professionals Research Team, 1999; Smeaton; 2009; 48 research suggests that having specialist Making informed risk assessments who work with them. Previous definitions Smeaton, 2005; Smeaton & Rees, 2005) . workers with knowledge of running away, CSE of running away have included ‘staying CSE guidance and action plans will not meet and learning difficulties/disabilities can be An incident of sexual exploitation can take away from home’ and ‘staying away’ and the needs of the majority of young runaways effective in achieving positive outcomes with place during a short period of time. Some previous research has identified how young and it is important to provide guidance and these young people. perpetrators of CSE ensure a young person is people view running away in these terms an action plan, along with accompanying only away for short periods in order to avoid (Smeaton, 2009)47. However it is important funding, which addresses running away them being reported as missing to the police. that professionals working with young people where it does link directly with CSE. In recognition of this, where CSE features are familiar with the language they use and The impacts of running away or is suspected, there is a need to focus upon how it can be a synonym for running away and and CSE periods when the young person is not where therefore requires a ‘running away’ response. 5.2 they should be and not just, for example, A similar approach should be taken with Who does running away This research has offered explanation as to overnight incidences of running away. The parents and carers. As models of CSE develop, how some of the impacts of experiencing element of a person not being where they it is also important that changes in associated and CSE affect? running away and CSE can have both short should be is presented in the Association of forms of running away/being ‘absent’ are also and long-term implications. For example, Chief Police Officer’s (ACPO) and the College recognised so that effective risk assessments The research reinforces that young people there are links between experiencing running of Policing’s proposed definition of ‘absent’ take place to ensure that young people are from a range of backgrounds including away and CSE under the age of 16 and as follows: appropriately safeguarded. economic circumstances, race, gender, sexual going on to become a sex worker. Missing orientation and disability can experience both substantial amounts of school can lead to ‘A person not at a place where they are As highlighted by professionals, there running away and CSE. literacy difficulties that cause problems when expected or required to be.’ are problems with existing definitions of seeking or undertaking further education, It is apparent that some young people, such as training or employment. It is important that (ACPO & College of Policing, 2103; 5)45 running away and CSE as they often do not describe the forms of running away and CSE boys and young men and LGBT young people, responses to these young people consider professionals are witnessing, so do not always are often judged primarily by their gender these issues so that young people are offered This stresses the importance of making a more positive future. Services should also informed risk assessments when reporting lead to an appropriate response. It is therefore timely to reconsider these definitions and include responses to young people when they a young person as missing to the police. have ‘had their heart broken’ after realising The importance of ‘risk’ is considered in language to reflect the diversity of young 48 Rees G (2011) Still Running 3. London: The Children’s Society; Rees G & Lee J (2005) Still Running 2. London: The that the person or people they trusted Children’s Society; Safe on the Streets Research Team (1999) and believed cared for them are in reality Still Running: Children on the Streets in the UK. London: The Children’s Society; Smeaton E (2009) Off the Radar: Children exploiting them. This realisation can be very 46 Ibid. and Young People Living on the Streets in the UK. Sandbach: painful for young people and lead to future 45 Association of Chief Police Officers & College of Policing Railway Children; Smeaton E (2005) Living on the Edge: (2013) Interim Guidance on the Management, Recording 47 Smeaton E (2009) Off the Radar: Children and Young The Experiences of Detached Young Runaways. London: The difficulties in trusting others and developing and Investigation of Missing Persons 2013. London: College People Living on the Streets in the UK. Sandbach: Children’s Society; Smeaton E & Rees G (2005) Running Away healthy relationships. These points and of Policing. The Railway Children. in South Yorkshire. London: The Children’s Society.

96 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 97 Part five: Part five: Discussion of the research findings Discussion of the research findings

others outlined in sections two and three of Services working with young people who 5.4 risk of sexual exploitation. Smeaton (2009)52 the report stress the importance of taking a experience both running away and CSE found that the average cost of crime among holistic approach to supporting young people should reflect the ‘hidden’ nature of running Responding to young young people who spend time living on the who run away and experience CSE, as their away and CSE and ensure that interventions people who experience streets was £500,000 per child or young issues and experiences are likely to have a far- address this by recognising that there is no running away and CSE person. In addition, investing in services reaching impact if not addressed. As well as ‘one size fits all’; and that different approaches to meet the needs of young people who taking a holistic approach, it is also important are required to identify and engage different The research findings have outlined how experience both running away and CSE to ensure that the responses set in place are groups of young people. For example, working responses to young people who experience will also save costs relating to offending, tailored to individual experiences and needs. effectively with boys and young men is likely substance misuse and youth homelessness both running away and CSE need to be 53 to require a different way of working than that considered at a number of levels. (Smeaton and Franks, 2011) . adopted with girls and young women. 5.3 The research also highlights how some Commissioning Reaching young people young people can be harder to reach because 5.4.1 who experience running of cultural factors or because the personal The national context and The research findings highlight the away and CSE cost of disclosure is too high. There is a policy framework importance of the process of commissioning need to improve knowledge about black and of specialised services. Government guidance The first set of discussion points relate to the The fieldwork with young people revealed minority ethnic (BME) groups of young people outlines how the needs of young people who national context and policy framework and that there are young people who experience and their communities, cultural practices have experienced or are at risk of CSE, and illustrates how these can both inhibit and both running away and CSE who are not and beliefs. This work requires a range of their families, should be considered in the drive local policy and responses. 54 linked into support services so do not receive indicators for running away and CSE that commissioning of services (DCSF, 2009; 7) . any formal support, despite experiencing are culturally appropriate. The research has Commissioning constraints can result in a range of problematic issues and highlighted the need to improve effective services being unable to provide support in a experiencing harm49. assessment of risk within BME communities. Funding form that appropriately meets needs. Further consideration needs to be given to The research has revealed how a lack of As previously discussed, the majority of working with individual BME communities available funding for specialised projects young people are not reported to the police and the development of local and national Awareness-raising as part of a and statutory services supporting young as missing when they run away. Guidance strategies. This needs to occur in order to preventative strategy people who experience running away and/ addressing children who run away and go remove obstacles to more positive engagement or CSE is problematic in a number of ways. missing from home or care notes that under- with young people from BME communities The research findings clearly outline the need In some areas, funding cuts and a general reporting is evident and that local authorities and to ensure they are able to access support for awareness-raising about running away lack of funding has resulted in an absence need to take proactive action with regard to that is sensitive to cultural factors in meeting and CSE as part of a preventative strategy. of provision for these young people. In other those not reported as missing. Non-reporting their needs. While there is a need to increase The Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation: areas, funding issues result in services failing 55 to the police when a child or young person knowledge about a range of cultural factors Action Plan (DfE, 2011) and Safeguarding to effectively meet needs, either through runs away is problematic for a range of relating to BME communities, there appears Children and Young People from Sexual being unable to meet demand for services 56 reasons. While MISPER reports can be an to be a particular lack of knowledge about how Exploitation (DCSF, 2009) recognise the or through being inadequately resourced. effective referral route to ensure some young to best meet the needs of children and young importance of awareness-raising about CSE It is also important to note that failing to people receive support, there are others who people from the Traveller, Roma and Polish with young people; as does the proposed provide funding to respond to the needs of are less likely to be reported as missing to communities. guidance for children who run away and these young people has a number of financial the police, for example, those who are thrown costs as well as human costs. For example, out of home, or abused at home and those It is the case that some projects find it harder Barnardo’s (2011)51, identified that there from minority ethnic backgrounds50. Where to reach certain groups of young people 52 Smeaton E (2009) Street Life. Public Finance, 10 December who experience running away and CSE than is an estimated potential saving of £12 for 2009 www.publicfinance.co.uk/2009/12/street-life/ referral mechanisms rely solely upon MISPER accessed 6 July 2013 every £1 spent on providing an intervention r e p o r t s , y o u n g p e o p l e w h o a r e n o t r e p o r t e d a s others. However there are examples of good to young people who experience CSE, in 53 Smeaton E & Franks M (2011) Best Practice in the missing when they run away will not be practice in working with different cultures Commissioning and Delivery of Emergency Accommodation addition to the non-costed reduction in the for Children and Young People Who Run Away in Scotland. referred for support. across the country. Projects can therefore seek and share learning to improve practice. 54 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation. London: DCSF. 49 As stated in the introduction of the report, 17 of the 41 young 55 Department of Education (2011) Tackling Child Sexual people were, at the time of their participation in the research, Exploitation: Action Plan. London: DfE. without support to meet their needs. 51 Barnardo’s (2011) Reducing the Risk, Cutting the Cost: An assessment of the potential savings from Barnardo’s 56 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) 50 Rees G, Franks M, Raws P & Medforth R (2005) Responding interventions for young people who have been sexually Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual to Young Runaways: An Evaluation of 19 Projects, 2003 to exploited. Barkingside: Barnardo’s. Exploitation. London: DCSF. 2004. London: The Children’s Society.

98 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 99 Part five: Part five: Discussion of the research findings Discussion of the research findings

go missing from home or care. Awareness- While this research indicated that some adults Improving the process for young people sites are common routes through which they raising activities need to be targeted towards within the gay community are clear that it is involved in police investigations can be groomed to run away and be exploited, the general public, professionals, parents not appropriate to meet with young people which presents a challenge to safeguarding and carers, and children and young people. they come into contact with via the internet, Being part of a police operation into suspected young people. However, other sites offering Young people have stressed the effectiveness it also reveals that it is necessary to carry out CSE can be very stressful for young people support with issues such as bereavement can of having young people who themselves work with the gay and lesbian community and in itself can lead to running away to also be used by perpetrators to target young have experience of running away and CSE to raise awareness of the impacts of sexually avoid stress and pressure. To prevent this people. These findings suggest that there is a deliver awareness raising and preventative exploiting young people. happening and to encourage more young general need to improve internet site security work. This is also emphasised in the Tackling people to press charges against perpetrators to protect young people. Child Sexual Exploitation: Action Plan (DfE, of CSE, the process needs to change so that 2011)57. Despite the actions addressing Measures to address perpetrators young people as witnesses are not subjected awarenessraising among children and young of CSE to such high levels of stress and pressure. Support for parents and carers people, parents and carers, and services These findings add weight to the identified outlined by the DfE (Ibid)58, the research While the focus of this research is not upon need to ensure changes are made to the whole The need to provide appropriate and effective findings suggest that there is still a need for perpetrators of CSE, it is necessary to address prosecution process. support for parents and carers is stressed further awareness-raising about running away them given the prominent role that they play by both professionals and young people. and CSE. in young people’s experiences of running away Support for parents’/carers’ issues and and CSE. Young people’s experiences reveal The role of education providers general parenting plays an important role in Preventative work needs to include the how perpetrators can encourage running preventing young people from experiencing message that running away and CSE can be away and/or manipulate a young person’s The role of education is important and is running away and CSE. Supporting parents experienced by any young person regardless circumstances when they have run away recognised in statutory guidance addressing and carers is also a crucial part of responsive of sex, ethnicity and location. Awareness- from home or care, or have been thrown out CSE (DCSF, 2009)60 and in the Tackling measures to address running away and raising and preventative strategies also have of home. Safeguarding Children and Young Child Sexual Exploitation: Action Plan (DfE, CSE, and will ensure positive outcomes are to reach all communities and be presented People from Sexual Exploitation (DCSF, 2009; 2011)61. As previously described, schools have achieved for both individual young people and in a culturally aware manner that recognises 63)59 outlines how identifying, disrupting an important part to play in ensuring vital the wider family. diversity. In particular, the research has and prosecuting perpetrators is a key part preventative work takes place with regards to highlighted the need for this work in schools. of safeguarding young people from sexual sex education, healthy relationships, drug and Due to the links between missing school exploitation. It is important for professionals alcohol use, internet safety, running away and Lack of specialised accommodation and running away and/or CSE, it is also to recognise that whatever a young person’s CSE. The scope for school staff being able to important to ensure that awareness-raising actions are in relation to running away and identify when a young person is experiencing The lack of specialised accommodation for and preventative work also takes place outside sexual exploitation, there is an adult who difficulties raises the importance of ensuring young people who experience running away of mainstream settings, such as pupil referral is perpetrating sexual and possibly other school staff are aware of possible indicators and CSE is regarded as a significant gap units (PRUs), care homes, youth groups and criminal offences and that there should be of running away and CSE and have clear in resources to effectively meet needs. As other environments where young people proactive investigation of perpetrators of CSE. processes to follow when there are concerns. noted in Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation: spend time. Preventative and awareness- It is important that each local area utilises Action Plan (DfE, 2009)62, previous research raising work should also include drugs and disruption tactics and that professionals from carried out by the University of Bedfordshire alcohol and safe use of the internet, given the a range of agencies work together to deliver Improving online safety (2011)63 raises concerns about the availability role that these issues play in young people’s disruption plans. The research highlights how and appropriateness of accommodation experiences of running away and CSE. mapping perpetrators is a useful activity and As technological developments progress the provided by the local authority for Looked something that specialised projects are often internet is increasingly used by perpetrators After Children who have experienced There is also need for outreach work to enable able to contribute to due to the information as a medium to meet children and young sexual exploitation. Previous research young people who are not in touch with they receive from the young people they people and encourage them to run away has also outlined the lack of emergency services to benefit from awareness-raising and work with. for sexual exploitation. The internet is also accommodation for young people who preventative work addressing running away extensively used by young people to seek out experience running away (Evans et al, 2007; and CSE. others when they feel isolated or uncared for by those around them; and also to seek sexual relationships. Facebook and gay web chat

62 Ibid. 63 Jago S, Arocha L, Brodie I, Melrose M, Pearce J and 57 Department of Education (2011) Tackling Child Sexual 60 Ibid. Warrington C (2011) What’s Going On to Safeguard Children Exploitation: Action Plan. London: DfE. 59 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) and Young People from Sexual Exploitation? How local Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual 61 Department for Education (2011) Tackling Child Sexual partnerships respond to child sexual exploitation. Luton: 58 Ibid. Exploitation. London: DCSF. Exploitation: Action Plan. London: DfE. University of Bedfordshire.

100 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 101 Part five: Part five: Discussion of the research findings Discussion of the research findings

Smeaton, 2010)64. Given the complexities Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation Action share data and information about running also highlight the benefit of having a named involved in why young people experience both Plan – Progress Report noted that: away and CSE and the benefits of doing so. lead person within the local authority running away and CSE and the associated Guidance addressing children who run away who leads on running away and CSE. It need for accommodation that supports their ‘There is growing evidence of LSCBs and go missing from home or care also states also outlines the difficulties in ensuring a needs, further consideration needs to be given and local authorities establishing and the expectation that LCSBs, local authorities co-ordinated approach and challenges to to the provision of accommodation. acknowledging the existence of child and the police share information relating central data collection relating to running sexual exploitation in their areas and to young people who run away. Specialised away and CSE when there is no named lead taking steps to address it. Some, however, voluntary sector projects have been identified person with responsibility. 5.4.2 are still not giving this issue the priority as being able to provide information that it requires.’ can be used for intelligence. While some The local strategic context (DfE, 2013; 18)67 projects and areas appear to have effective Training data and information collation and sharing The research has identified how the local The findings from this research also provide systems in place, this is not consistent across Guidance draws attention to the importance strategic context is important to meet the evidence that a number of LSCBs have not the country. There is, therefore, a need to of ensuring that local safeguarding training needs of young people who experience issued guidance to address running away and improve data collection and collation and includes information about sexual exploitation running away and CSE. Further consideration CSE and do not have a plan to meet the needs information sharing processes in general at and that specialist training is available for needs to be given to: of these young people. individual project levels, between agencies key professionals (Ibid; 7)74. Similarly, the ■■ the role of Local Safeguarding Children’s and local authorities. forthcoming guidance for local authorities Boards (LSCBs) addressing children who run away and go Recording and sharing information ■■ recording and sharing information missing from home or care highlights how ■ Local authorities local safeguarding training should include ■ local authority responses Safeguarding Children and Young People from reasons why young people run away. Despite ■■ training of professionals Sexual Exploitation (DCSF, 2009)68 provides In some areas of the country, despite the implementation of a number of actions ■ some guidance on sharing information ■ establishing processes to respond to government guidance and an action plan from Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation: stating that the child’s best interests must running away and CSE addressing CSE, and national recognition that Action Plan (DfE, 2011)75, this research reveals be the overriding consideration (Ibid, 48)69. ■■ multi-agency responses running away and CSE are a problem, some that too many professionals, from a range of It is stated that, as a minimum, LSCBs ■■ establishing parent and carer local authorities are not responding to young agencies whose role it is to meet these needs, should ensure that procedures specify how people who experience running away and CSE are still not informed about running away and support strategies. professionals can share information about nor meeting their needs. CSE. Some professionals are not aware of the CSE concerns in line with Information legal framework and of what is required from Sharing Guidance (HM Government, 2008)70. The importance of having a named them as prescribed by statutory guidance. For LSCBs The guidance also describes how effective lead professional in the local area with example, there is often a lack of awareness identification and recording of information responsibility for running away and CSE is that, where CSE features or is a risk, there Statutory guidance addressing CSE (DCSF, that can be turned into intelligence is 65 outlined in statutory guidance. Forthcoming is a need to respond to young people under 2009) outlines in detail the crucial role that intrinsically important to the disruption and/ statutory guidance addressing running away the age of 18 as set out in the Children Acts LSCBs should play to prevent and respond or prosecution of perpetrators. It also states and going missing from home or care states 1989 and 2004. There is sometimes a lack of to CSE and lists the LSCBs’ responsibilities. that all those working with young people who the need for a person to be responsible at a knowledge about the indicators and impact Research carried out by the University have been sexually exploited, or are at risk of 66 local level. Statutory guidance outlined in of running away and CSE and what is an of Bedfordshire (2011) revealed that being so, should continually gather, record Safeguarding Children and Young People appropriate response to a young person in only a quarter of LSCBs in England were and share information with appropriate from Sexual Exploitation states that there these circumstances. This lack of knowledge implementing this guidance and the 2012 agencies (Ibid, 68)71. These research findings should be a dedicated lead person in each and awareness can act as a barrier to both have emphasised both the need to collate and partner organisation with responsibility providing support and for recognising for implementing the guidance (DCSF, that young people are experiencing harm 64 Evans K, Houghton-Brown M & Rees G (2007) Stepping Up: 72 The Future of Runaways’ Services. London: The Children’s 2009; 7) and that LSCB functions should and are in need. There is, therefore, a need Society. Smeaton E (2010) Evaluation@Last: Findings from 67 Department for Education (2012) Tackling Child Sexual set out procedures, as a minimum, for the for appropriate training to be provided to Exploitation Action Plan – Progress Report. the Evaluation of the SAFE@LAST SAFEPLACE Refuge. establishment of lead professionals in key relevant professionals so that they are able to Sandbach: Railway Children. 68 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) agencies (Ibid, 24)73. The research findings implement law and guidance and recognise 65 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation. London: DCSF. when a young person is at risk. Exploitation. London: DCSF. 69 Ibid. 66 Jago S, Arocha L, Brodie I, Melrose M, Pearce J and 70 HM Government (2008) Information Sharing Guidance. 72 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) Warrington C (2011) What’s Going On to Safeguard Children London: The Stationary Office. and Young People from Sexual Exploitation? How local Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual 74 Ibid. partnerships respond to child sexual exploitation. Luton: 71 Department for Education (2012) Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation. London: DCSF. 75 Department for Education (2011) Tackling Child Sexual University of Bedfordshire. Exploitation Action Plan – Progress Report. 73 Ibid. Exploitation: Action Plan. London: DfE.

102 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 103 Part five: Part five: Discussion of the research findings Discussion of the research findings

Ensuring processes are set in place established, or is not working effectively, Health services elsewhere. Positive working relationships to respond to running away and CSE and that this poses distinct challenges to with schools strongly support the work of addressing the issues and safeguarding young Echoing statutory guidance about the key specialised projects while, unsurprisingly, In some areas of England there are no people appropriately. role that health services play in recognising a lack of engagement by schools acts processes in place for professionals to follow CSE and identifying adults who may be as a distinct barrier to meeting young when they become aware of a young person’s perpetrators (DCSF, 2009; 34)82, the research people’s needs. running away and sexual exploitation. While The police findings stress the importance of health the Department for Education (DfE) has professionals’ roles in the identification of produced a step-by step guide for professionals Guidance addressing CSE sets out a number young people at risk who may not be in touch Establishing parents and carer in the statutory, voluntary and community of key functions of the police (DCSF, 2009; with other services. Health professionals support strategies sectors (DfE, 2013)76, where there are a lack 30)79. This research reinforces how the police are also in a prime position to gather of established processes to follow in the local are recognised as playing a vital and central information and build trusting relationships Government guidance recommends that area it can be very difficult for professionals role in addressing running away and CSE with young people. Strong relationships and local authorities should have comprehensive to refer a young person for support. A lack of and the benefits of having strong working links with health professionals as features parenting and family support strategies set procedure results in a lack of recognition of relationships with the police are highly of specialised support services can result in place and should consider support services these issues at operational and strategic levels valued. In some parts of the country there are in positive outcomes in both meeting the for parents to enable them to gain information and, therefore, no funding is allocated to still inappropriate police responses to young needs of young people and addressing the and access to relevant services (DCSF, 2009; address running away and CSE. people and to their parents and carers. This is perpetrators of CSE. While the Tackling Child 14) 84. The Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation: despite: Sexual Exploitation: Action Plan commits the Action Plan suggests the likely need for Department of Health (DoH) to continuing statutory and voluntary agencies to support ■■ The government’s insistence of the need families to move on with their lives once Multi-agency working for the police to be aware of early indicators to work with stakeholders and key partners CSE has ended (DfE, 2009, 28)85. Despite of CSE and ensure that an appropriate to promote awareness of CSE and extend 83 this the research findings suggest that many Multi-agency working to address running intervention is made (Ibid; 40)80. training (DfE, 2009; 15) , the research reveals away and CSE is not only beneficial but that there is some effective health practice in parents are not accessing support to address ■ an intrinsic part of providing effective ■ Commitments made in the 2011 Tackling some areas of the country but that this is not their own needs and enable them to protect responses. This is recognised by government Child Sexual Exploitation: Action Plan consistent across England. their children. guidance addressing CSE (DCSF, 2009)77, the relating to ensuring training for frontline forthcoming guidance addressing children police officers. who run away and go missing from home ■■ The production of the ACPO action plan Schools 5.4.3 or care, and by the Tackling Child Sexual to support improvements in partnership The service delivery context Exploitation: Action Plan, which states, for working, victim prevention and protection, As previously discussed, young people with example, how the DfE will consider how to pursuit of offenders and overall service experience of both running away and CSE 81 The research has revealed a number of strengthen LCSBs to: delivery (ACPO, 2012) . describe how these experiences have often factors, presented in section 4.9, that should resulted in their education being adversely be incorporated into voluntary and statutory ‘Develop an effective local strategy There is a need to ensure a consistently affected and in them experiencing literacy sector direct practice with young people who ensuring there is a co-ordinated appropriate response to running away and difficulties. There is, therefore, a need to experience running away and CSE to ensure multi-agency response to child CSE by the police across the country and to ensure that young people who experience both positive outcomes. Similarly, there are also sexual exploitation.’ guarantee that the police are provided with running away and CSE have their educational (DfE, 2011; 39)78� aspects of professionals’ direct practice with relevant training. needs met as part of a holistic response. young people, also presented in section 4.9, Schools can play an important part in allowing This research highlights how there are that is indicated do not work well and should specialised projects access to young people still parts of England where a multi-agency be avoided. so that they are able to receive support to approach to running away and CSE is not address their running away and CSE when, either due to a lack of parental or carer permission or chaotic living environments, 76 Department for Education (2013) What to do if you suspect a child is being sexually exploited. it is difficult for professionals to access them 77 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual 79 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) Exploitation. London: DCSF Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation. London: DCSF 82 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) 84 Department for Children, Schools and Families (2009) 78 Department for Education (2011) Tackling Child Sexual Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation: Action Plan. London: DfE. http://www.educatuib. 80 Ibid. Exploitation. London: DCSF. Exploitation. London: DCSF. gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/healthandwellbeing/ safeguardingchildren/a00200288/tackling-child-sexual- 81 Association of Chief Police Officers (2012) Association of Chief 83 Department for Education (2011) Tackling Child Sexual 85 Department for Education (2011) Tackling Child Sexual exploitation-action-plan 8 April 2013. Police Officers’ Child Sexual Exploitation Plan. Exploitation: Action Plan. London: DfE. Exploitation: Action Plan.

104 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 105 Part five: Part five: Discussion of the research findings Discussion of the research findings

Addressing diversity and culture

The research findings stress the importance of addressing diversity and cultural issues so, as discussed previously in this section of the report, service providers are able to identify the risks faced by young people from a range of BME backgrounds and ensure that their service is accessible for all young people. Similarly, consideration needs to be given to meeting the needs of boys and young men, LGBT young people and those with learning disabilities or difficulties.

Building relationships based upon trust

The research findings echo previous research (Smeaton, 2005; 2009)86 about the intrinsic importance of building trust and developing relationships for longer-term benefit. While young people may not be ready to engage with an intervention to address their running away and CSE, it is necessary to keep them engaged and focus on building trust so that when their own survival strategies break down, or they decide they want to change their lives, there is a service and project worker who they feel able to turn to and request support.

Supporting practitioners

In recognition of the challenging nature of some of the work involved in meeting the needs of young people who experience both running away and CSE, and to ensure practitioners are able to effectively deliver the best possible intervention, it is important to ensure that professionals are soundly supported to reflect upon their own practice. They must be provided with good quality supervision, with opportunities to become aware of new developments relating to running away and CSE, and to develop new skills where necessary.

86 Smeaton E (2009) Off the Radar: Children and Young People Living on the Streets in the UK. Sandbach: Railway Children. Smeaton E (2005) Living on the Edge: The Experiences of Detached Young Runaways. London: The Children’s Society.

106 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 107 Part six: Recommendations and should use the learning from this research to forms; and ensure that policy and practice actions for national and local inform both their commissioning processes responses and processes and protocols to and the information they require tendering address running away and CSE are flexible organisations to provide. so that they can respond to individual young policy and practice people’s experiences and needs. Required actions to implement this recommendation: Required actions to implement this recommendation: ■■ When commissioning services for children and young people who experience running ■■ This learning should be incorporated away and CSE, commissioners should into national Government’s responses to produce tenders that highlight factors running away and CSE by clarifying that The evidenced-based learning from the both running away and CSE, there is also an that the research has identified as ‘what there is not one model of the relationship action research addressing the relationship economic argument for preventing harm to works’ with children and young people who between running away and CSE but that it between running away and CSE has produced children and young people. experience both running away and CSE. takes a number of different forms, which a set of recommendations for national and ■■ Commissioners should ensure funding and should be accounted for in both national local policymakers and practitioners to The research has revealed that elements of the service provision that allows projects to and local policy and practice responses. ensure the needs of young people are met. statutory guidance addressing CSE and the implement a flexible approach to effectively ■■ LSCBs should undertake mapping activity These recommendations address both the Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation: Action meet the needs of children and young to understand how the relationship macro and micro environments and require Plan (DfE, 2011)87� have not been implemented; people who experience both running away between running away and CSE occurs in responses at both national and local levels. and it is suggested that it is not possible to do and CSE. the local area, as well as acknowledging In line with the identified need to provide a so without additional ring-fenced funding. ■■ Commissioners should request that that the form this relationship can take holistic approach to meet the needs of young tendering organisations provide can shift over time and between individual people who experience both running away Required actions to implement information relating to: understanding and children and young people. and CSE, these recommendations should not this recommendation: meeting the needs of children and young ■■ Commissioners of services for young be undertaken in isolation but recognised ■■ The Department for Education (DfE) people who experience both running away people who experience both running away as being interdependent upon one another should ensure that guidance and action and CSE; skills and abilities of project staff; and CSE should be aware that the link and marking an important contribution to an plans to address CSE and running away and meeting the needs of children and between running away and CSE can take a overall set of measures to reduce both running are accompanied by appropriate levels of young people from diverse backgrounds number of different forms and commission away and CSE. funding to ensure their implementation. reflected in the local area. services that can respond flexibly to meet ■■ In accordance with guidance, Local ■■ Commissioners should ensure that the needs of individuals who experience Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) commissioning of housing projects for both running away and CSE. 6.1 should undertake scoping activity to young people should include safeguarding ■■ Local authorities should incorporate Commissioning identify the needs of young people who compliance elements. learning about the relationship between and funding experience both running away and CSE running away and CSE into strategic and to inform local authorities’ allocation practice responses to young people and 6.1.1 of the required funding to prioritise 6.2 their families. meeting need. ■■ Specialised projects supporting young Funding Managing risks people should ensure that their practice responses can address the diverse forms In a time of austerity and financial cutbacks 6.1.2 6.2.1 that the relationship between running it is difficult to offer practical and feasible Commissioning services to Recognising that the away and CSE can take. recommendations that relate to funding. meet the needs of children and relationship between running ■■ Professionals from a range of agencies who However, funding cuts, the lack of funding young people who experience away and CSE takes a number available to specialised projects, and to both running away and CSE work with young people and their families statutory agencies with responsibility for of different forms should receive training on the different forms the relationship can take between working with young people and their families, Those with strategic and managerial To meet the diverse needs of young people running away and CSE. all significantly hinder meeting the needs of responsibility for commissioning and who experience both running away and young people who experience both running delivering services for children and families away and CSE. As significant long-term CSE, policymakers and practitioners should costs can be incurred by failing to invest in recognise that the links between running children and young people who experience 87 Department for Education (2011) Tackling Child Sexual away and CSE can take a number of different Exploitation: Action Plan. London: DfE.

108 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 109 Part six: Part six: Recommendations and actions for national and local policy and practice Recommendations and actions for national and local policy and practice

6.2.2 how agencies such as Child Exploitation Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), youth in preventative strategies addressing Awareness-raising among the and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) are justice and the voluntary sector ensure running away and CSE. general public, professionals able to undertake ‘authority reporting’ professionals receive training relating to ■■ Awareness-raising in schools with young to Facebook where there are concerns running away and CSE. people about internet safety should include and parents and carers r e l a t i n g t o t h e s ex u a l ex p l o i t a t i o n o f how young people can keep themselves young people via Facebook and how, 6.2.4 safe on Facebook and other social media. Development and implementation of an through using its ‘groomer tool’, There are a number of reporting facilities awareness-raising strategy to improve Working with education Facebook is able to report concerns about provided by Facebook so that young people awareness about running away and CSE providers to implement perpetrators of CSE to CEOP and other law can either: self-report that they do not feel among the general public, professionals preventative strategies with enforcement agencies. safe because of someone else’s activity working with parents and carers, and young young people on Facebook; or report that they have people, is essential. This awareness raising 6.2.3 concerns about another young person strategy should be designed and implemented Schools and other educational providers who is using Facebook. Young people to ensure the public pay attention to running Building professionals’ should implement awareness-raising and should be made aware that they can use away and CSE and do not perceive there to be knowledge and understanding preventative strategies addressing running ‘social reporting’ to request that someone an oversaturation of information about child of running away and CSE away and CSE aimed at young people. else, such as a teacher, youth worker or sexual abuse. The strategy should target a carer, reports to Facebook on the young diverse range of communities in England. There is a requirement to ensure that Awareness-raising and preventative strategies person’s behalf that they have concerns professionals who work directly with young should address: about what is happening to them or Required actions to implement people who experience both running away ■■ the risks involved in running away another young person. this recommendation: and CSE are knowledgeable about both issues, as this will support improving risk and CSE ■■ National Government should coordinate management and meeting young people’s ■■ how to seek support 6.2.5 efforts to promote awareness in line with needs. Training plays a crucial role in ■■ healthy relationships, including same Improving risk management statutory guidance and the national action improving knowledge and understanding but sex relationships plan by taking an active co-ordination role processes and protocols should also reflect To effectively manage risk it necessary to where there are gaps in awareness-raising; ■■ internet safety law and guidance. Training, processes and acknowledge that every young person is and by working in partnership with others ■■ protocols should ensure that the following, at drug and alcohol use. potentially at risk of running away and CSE; to address those gaps and deliver targeted a minimum, is reflected: and that when a young person’s needs are awareness-raising. So, for example, to raise Personal, Social, Health and Economic not met, they are particularly vulnerable. ■■ a shared use of language awareness among parents and carers, Education (PSHE) is identified as one option To address the continuum of vulnerability national Government should work with ■■ indicators of CSE where this awareness-raising and preventative and risk and gaps in risk management, it key stakeholders and partners, including work can take place. ■■ impacts of running away and CSE is recommended that a tiered approach to parenting charities, to encourage and ■ identifying vulnerabilities is implemented and facilitate their work with parents and ■ where CSE features, the need to respond to Required actions to implement young people up to the age of 18 that this tiered approach is recognised as a carers to raiseawareness about running this recommendation: shared responsibility. away and CSE. ■■ how direct work with young people who experience both running away and ■■ DfE should support education providers ■■ National Government should undertake The first tier of identifying responsibilities CSE should be undertaken to facilitate to be part of awareness-raising and analysisto identify the appropriate and managing risk relates to parents and positive outcomes. preventative strategies. awareness-raising activity for the general carers who, as previously noted, should be ■■ Awareness-raising and other preventative public, professionals who work with young strategies addressing running away and informed about the risks of running away and people and their families, parents and Required actions to implement CSE should be an integral part of PSHE. CSE so that they become aware of: carers,and young people. this recommendation: ■■ LSCBs should coordinate with education ■■ the role they can play in safeguarding ■■ Awareness-raising activities targeted ■■ LSCBs to ensure that all professionals providers as education should be part their children towards parents and carers and who have direct contact with young people of the multi-agency approach to address ■■ ensuring that they know the whereabouts professionals should include details of receive safeguarding training to build running away and CSE in the local area. of their child and who they are with Facebook’s social reporting so that they knowledge and understanding of running can encourage young people to share away and CSE. ■■ As part of this research dissemination ■■ the importance of reporting a child or strategy, Barnardo’s and Paradigm any concerns they may have as a result of ■■ LSCBs to ensure that local strategies to young person as missing to the police someone else’s activity on Facebook and address running away and CSE reflect law, Research will discuss the findings when they have run away report on behalf of young people. This guidance and effective practice. with teaching unions to inform them ■■ indicators of CSE of the important role that schools and awareness-raising should also include ■■ ■■ processes to follow to instigate support for Health, social care, education, the police, other educational settings can play

110 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 111 Part six: Part six: Recommendations and actions for national and local policy and practice Recommendations and actions for national and local policy and practice

themselves and their child if running away should ensure that all frontline staff Required actions to implement (OCCE)90�and the University of Bedfordshire91, and/or CSE is taking place. can recognise, protect and refer young this recommendation: this research highlights the need for LSCBs people at risk of CSE. to undertake scoping activity in the local ■■ Providers of internet sites should ensure The second tier of identifying responsibilities area. This would identify the level of need and ■■ The DfE should ensure that the that they are able to identify where and managing risk relates to the police ensure commissioning processes reflect it continuum of risk and responsibilities perpetrators are using sites for sexual who have to be consistently informed about so that service provision effectively supports for action is part of awareness- exploitation and take the appropriate running away and CSE and have clarity about young people who experience both running raising strategies as outlined in measures, including informing law the appropriate procedures to follow when a away and CSE. recommendation 6.2.2. enforcement agencies, to disrupt them. young person is reported as missing to the ■■ The Association of Directors of police after running away and being sexually ■■ Gay web chat sites should ensure that In addition to the above, local authorities also Children’s Services (ADCS) should exploited. The police should also ensure that their online security is able to protect need to ensure the provision of clear processes ensure that awareness of risks the appropriate action is implemented to young people. and protocols to meet statutory guidance associated with running away and engage other agencies to further manage risk. and ensure that professionals from both the CSE are shared among professionals voluntary and statutory sectors are clear working with young people and that all 6.2.7 The third tier of identifying responsibilities about the processes and protocols to follow professionals are aware of their role. Steps to address and managing risk relates to all professionals perpetrators of CSE when they have concerns that a young person who come into contact with young people who ■■ As part of this research dissemination is experiencing running away and CSE. strategy, Barnardo’s and Paradigm may be in a position to identify that a child All local areas should have a strategy to is experiencing both running away and CSE, Research will work with The Local Required actions to implement Government Association (LGA) to address perpetrators and ensure that a range and that this young person may not have been of agencies are part of a disruption strategy. this recommendation: reported to the police as missing. ensure their understanding of risks associated with running away and CSE, ■■ LSCBs to coordinate scoping activity to Required action to implement identify the extent to which young people The fourth tier of identifying responsibilities and the need for a tiered approach to this recommendation: experience both running away and CSE in and managing risk relates to social care manage the continuum of risk. the local area. professionals who, after being informed of ■■ In relation to CSE, as part of managing ■■ LSCBs to coordinate and organise a the risks and indicators of running away and risk, professionals should follow guidelines strategy to address perpetrators and ■■ Local authorities to follow statutory CSE, and what works and doesn’t work with outlined in the DfE document89� addressing ensure that a range of statutory and guidance in the provision of processes young people who experience both running measures to follow where there are voluntary sector agencies – including and protocols to ensure professionals away and CSE, should set in place effective concerns that a young person is being representatives from social care, the from voluntary and statutory sectors responses to young people and their parents sexually exploited. police, health, education, Crown have clarity about what action to take and carers to respond to the longer term Prosecution Service (CPS), probation, when there are concerns that a child is needs of those affected. 6.2.6 licensing and specialised projects – are experiencing running away and CSE. Improving internet safety part of this strategy. Required actions to implement 6.2.9 this recommendation: As well as being used responsibly, social 6.2.8 Looked After Children ■■ Implementation of this recommendation networking sites and web sites that are set up Increasing services and When young people enter the care system requires a shared responsibility from a to support people can be used by perpetrators processes to respond to young a risk assessment should be carried out range of agencies: to target young people and encourage them people who experience both to run away to be sexually exploited. There that includes information gathering about ■■ As the multi-agency body with running away and CSE is, therefore, a need to improve internet previous running away and involvement responsibility for coordinating security by targeted work with providers of in CSE. As many, but not all, young people responses to CSE, LSCBs should hold There is lack of specialised services to meet social networking sites and web sites that have experienced running away and CSE the tiered framework of risk and ensure the needs of young people who experience support the vulnerable and/or those who have before they entered the care system, this that each agency is working effectively both running away and CSE. To ensure that experienced bereavement. in their respective tier to effectively service provision meets local need, in line manage the continuum of risk. with recommendations from the Office of the Children’s Commissioner for England ■■ In line with the Association of Chief 90 Berelowitz S, Firmin C, Edwards G & Gulyurtlu, S (2012) “I though I was the only one in the world” The Office of Police Officers’ (ACPO’s) Child Sexual the Children’s Commissioner’s Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation Plan (2012)88, ACPO Exploitation in Gangs and Groups Interim Report. 91 Jago S,Arocha L,Brodie I, Melrose M, Pearce J and Warrington C (2011) What’s Going On to Safeguard Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation? How local partnerships 88 Association of Chief Police Officers (2012) Association of Chief 89 Department for Education (2013) What to do if you suspect a respond to child sexual exploitation. Luton: University of Police Officers’ Child Sexual Exploitation Plan. child is being sexually exploited. Bedfordshire.

112 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 113 Part six: Part six: Recommendations and actions for national and local policy and practice Recommendations and actions for national and local policy and practice

risk assessment will identify measures Building upon learning from previous police monitoring of data to assess the nature 6.4 that need to be set in place to prevent and/ operations addressing CSE, the police should and prevalence identified in Tackling or address future running away and CSE. work with agencies undertaking direct work Child Sexual Exploitation: Action Plan93, Roles and responsibilities A risk assessment will also identify those with young people who experience both LSCBs should ensure that local authorities young people with no previous experience of running away and CSE to enable them to use the University of Bedfordshire’s data 6.4.1 running away and CSE who may be at risk, present information so that it can be turned monitoring tool94 and this data from LSCBs LSCBs to undertake and and allow for targeted preventative measures into intelligence. should be centrally collated. implement the actions required to be set in place that relate to the individual ■■ In a highly changing context for education of them to effectively meet the young person. This risk assessment should Similarly, voluntary and statutory agencies provision, national government should needs of young people who be repeated when a young person moves to a should work together to improve voluntary give consideration to how schools and new placement. sector professionals’ knowledge of how to other education providers can work better experience both running away present information so that it fits seamlessly to share information with other agencies and CSE Required action to implement with the statutory sectors’ processes and can about children and young people who are this recommendation: be used to maximum impact. missing from education. Opportunities to Given the central role of LSCBs in addressing running away and CSE, it is crucial that all ■■ With support from the DfE, The ADCS achieve this may arise where schools are While recognising that many young people LSCBs take responsibility for their lead role should ensure this risk assessment and working in collaboration through academy who experience both running away and CSE and undertake the action required of them by information-gathering takes place with chains or a local trust model to coordinate are not reported to the police as missing, statutory guidance, the Government’s action Looked After Children. activity with the LSCB. specialised projects can benefit from receiving plan addressing CSE95 and by learning from ■■ Projects working with young people who MISPER reports on a regular basis to identify research. experience running away should ensure young people who have been reported missing CSE is considered as part of a routine 6.3 and may be in need of support to address Required action to implement risk assessment and that information is running away and CSE. this recommendation: Improving and sharing collected about CSE. ■■ knowledge and information ■■ Projects working with young people who With support from the DfE, LSCBs to take Required actions to implement responsibility and undertake the actions this recommendation: experience CSE should ensure running Given the hidden nature of both running away away is considered as part of a routine required of them to address running away and CSE, and the lack of accurate knowledge ■■ The research supports the All Party risk assessment, and that information is and CSE. a b o u t t h e p r e v a l e n c e o f C S E , i t i s n e c e s s a r y Parliamentary Group’s (APPG’s) collected about running away. to improve the data collection and recommendation (2012)92 for local ■■ Specialised projects should receive weekly 6.4.2 information-sharing: authorities to be supported by central updates of MISPER reports from the police Multi-agency working government and ACPO to establish a local ■■ at individual project levels to identify young people who may be in multi-agency information-sharing process need of specialised support in relation to A successful local response to address ■■ among a range of agencies to ensure information is shared between running away and/or CSE. running away and CSE requires effective ■■ by the local authority agencies on individual running away multi-agency working at both strategic ■■ at a national level. incidents and patterns of running away and operational levels so it is, therefore, in the local area. This would also include recommended that a multi-agency approach is To achieve a national picture relating to information about sexually exploited established in all local areas. running away and CSE, information from young people. local areas should be collated at a central ■■ With support from ACPO, local police To further enhance multi-agency working, source and a standardised tool, with the forces should use learning from previous non-statutory agencies need to ensure that accompanying IT solution, developed. Further police operations and work with local they have informed knowledge about how consideration should also be given to how projects supporting children and statutory services operate and statutory information is shared between agencies to young people to enable them to provide services should ensure that they acknowledge enable effective safeguarding of children and information that can be turned into and integrate the value that the voluntary young people. police intelligence. sector can bring to address running away ■■ In accordance with the need for continued and CSE. Through accomplishing this, it is Pooling local knowledge that different possible to combine the strengths of statutory agencies hold about running away and CSE and non-statutory agencies to achieve effective and mapping exercises should take place in 93 Department for Education (2011) Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation: Action Plan. London: DfE. all local areas to build knowledge of local 92 APPG for Runaway and Missing Children and Adults and the APPG for Looked After Children and Care Leavers (2012) 94 www.beds.ac.uk/_data/assets/pdf_file/0020/162209/final- patterns of running away and CSE. Report from the Joint Inquiry Into Children Who Go Missing version-Updated-data-monitoring-tool-new-Dec-11.pdf 95 Department for Education (2011) Tackling Child Sexual From Care. 16 April 2013. Exploitation: Action Plan. London: DfE.

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partnership working and improve responses should specify this role and that they are Sexual Exploitation: Action Plan97, ACPO ■■ Sexual health clinics should identify a lead to young people who experience both running responsible and accountable for running should ensure all frontline police officers health professional who is informed about away and CSE. away and/or CSE. receive awareness-raising and training running away and CSE and can identify focusing upon running away and CSE those young people at risk and develop Required actions to implement 6.4.4 so they can respond effectively to young trusting relationships with them. this recommendation: Police responses to young people and to parents and carers. ■■ Projects and professionals working to ■■ LCSBs to coordinate a multi-agency people who experience running ■■ LSCBs should ensure that the police are address running away and CSE should take approach to addressing running away away and CSE part of multi-agency response to running advantage of the opportunities presented and CSE that includes social care, health, away and CSE. by local arrangements for prioritising health services. For example, Local Health education, the police, youth justice, CPS The police are central to addressing Watch forums provide a context where and the voluntary sector. running away and CSE and it is essential that 6.4.5 local organisations and individuals can ■■ Non-statutory agencies working with they are part of a multi-agency approach. The Health assess and hold to account health services young people and their families to ensure police should work closely with specialised in the local area and encourage health they have up-to-date knowledge about how projects supporting young who experience Health plays an important role in addressing providers to consider particular health statutory services operate. running away and/or CSE so that both sets of running away and CSE and has a unique position in relation to coming into contact issues and needs. ■■ Statutory agencies to acknowledge and agencies, and young people, can benefit from ■■ Local agencies should also engage with integrate the value the voluntary sector sharing information. with young people who are unknown to, or Health and Well-Being Boards to make is able to bring to direct work with young do not engage with, other services. Health them aware of the role that health can play people who experience both running away It is also essential that the police respond services should be part of multi-agency in meeting the needs of children and young and CSE and their parents and carers. appropriately to young people they come responses to running away and CSE and into contact with who have experienced both should prioritise developing their service people who experience both running away and CSE and influence commissioning of 6.4.3 running away and CSE, and recognise that delivery so that health can support with these young people are vulnerable, in need meeting these young people’s needs. health services. Having a lead named of safeguarding and require support from professional for running away the appropriate support agencies and not Required actions to implement and CSE criminalisation. It is necessary to ensure that this recommendation: 6.5 police officers react in a fitting manner to ■■ LCSBs should ensure that health services There are a number of benefits of having Supporting young people parents and carers when they report a young are part of multi-agency responses to named professionals who lead on running person as missing when they have run away. running away and CSE at both strategic and parents and carers to away and/or CSE; and this should be part of and operational levels. address running away and job descriptions and roles within the statutory There is need to review how the police work ■ sector. By implementing this it is possible to with young people who experience running ■ It is important to raise awareness of CSE and move forward into fulfil responsibility and accountability and away and CSE so that the prosecution of running away and CSE and work with the future ensure that professionals from other sectors perpetrators becomes less stressful for young Directors of Public Health as they decide and agencies will be aware of who to approach people who experience CSE. health priorities based upon an assessment 6.5.1 when they have concerns that a young person of local need. Health promotion and protection also falls under the jurisdiction Ensuring young people feel is experiencing running away and CSE. Required actions to implement cared for and listened to It is, however, important to acknowledge this recommendation: of Directors of Public Health. that patterns of local working and work in ■■ There should be local arrangements set ■■ With support form the Home Office, ACPO Feeling cared for and listened to is very different agencies will differ and the lead in place to enable appropriate information will, as part of its work to implement important when considering how young professional may differ from area to area. sharing between health services and 96 people become involved in both running away ACPO’s CSE Action Plan , lead on other agencies to ensure young people embedding this recommendation into and CSE. To reduce young people’s isolation Required action to implement are safeguarded. police practice so that local police and ensure they feel cared for and listened this recommendation: ■ investigations addressing CSE can ■ Health professionals, particularly local to, there is a requirement to ensure that safeguarding nurses, should receive ■■ Within key agencies in each local area become less stressful for children and every child and young person has someone there should be either a named lead young people. training addressing running away with whom they can build a meaningful and CSE. relationship. Many young people do not have individual for both running away and CSE ■■ In accordance with the Tackling Child or separate lead individuals for running immediate family or friends who are able to away and CSE who work closely together. provide them with the care they seek or with a listening ear. Some do not always attend Lead professionals’ job descriptions 96 Association of Chief Police Officers (2012) Association of Chief 97 Department for Education (2012) Tackling Child Sexual Police Officers’ Child Sexual Exploitation Plan. Exploitation Action Plan – Progress Report. school or do not receive support services

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despite experiencing harm. Alongside 6.5.2 6.5.3 In recognition of the positive outcomes that providing professional support, measures Direct Practice with young Reaching a diverse range of are achieved when parents and carers are including peer support and buddying should part of an intervention to address the needs be adopted to meet young people’s needs to people ensuring a needs-based young people who experience of a young person who has experienced ensure that all young people have someone approach running away and CSE both running away and CSE, the research they feel cares for them and listens to them in suggests that a good practice model of a positive manner. Learning about ‘what works’ and ‘what To address the ‘hidden nature’ of running support should incorporate a specialist doesn’t work’ in direct practice with children away and CSE and reaching all young people parents’ support worker. When young people disclose that they and young people who have experienced who experience these issues, strategic have been sexually exploited, it is crucially both running away and CSE needs to be responses and service interventions should Required actions to implement important that the response they receive from incorporated into commissioning and service ensure that a number of evidence-based this action: both professionals and parents and carers design and delivery. One model of intervention approaches are adopted to meet the needs of a ■■ Recognition of the importance of working does not implicitly or explicitly convey that will not produce positive outcomes for all, range of young people. with parents and carers should be included the young person is not believed or is thought and it is vital that support for young people in local arrangements and planning to to be at fault. Responses to disclosure should who experience both running away and CSE Required actions to implement meet the needs of young people who focus upon ensuring that the young person is individually-tailored and needs-based to this recommendation: enable a young person to move to a life beyond experience both running away and CSE. feels cared for and listened to and that their ■■ Commissioners of services and service running away and CSE. ■■ Commissioners should ensure disclosure is taken seriously. providers supporting young people who commissioning processes for services experience both running away and CSE With the appropriate support, young people to meet the needs of young people who Required actions to implement should ensure a range of interventions are with previous experience of running away experience running away and CSE this recommendation: set in place for ‘harder to reach’ groups of and CSE who have addressed their issues include provision of a specialist parents’ young people. ■■ Preventative measures should include and ceased running away and involvement in support worker. ensuring young people are provided with ■■ Organisations and projects working CSE can play an important and unique role in ■■ Both statutory and voluntary support someone to care for them and listen to with young people who experience both preventing and tackling these issues for other services should incorporate meeting the them. Buddying and peer support should running away and CSE should ensure that young people at risk. needs of parents and carers to achieve be considered when young people are practitioners are supported to incorporate positive outcomes with young people who identified as not having anyone in their good practice and other learning from Required actions to implement experience both running away and CSE. lives who is able to appropriately care this recommendation: research and practice into their work with for them and give them the attention young people. they require. ■■ Commissioners of services and service providers supporting young people who ■■ Awareness-raising and training addressing 6.5.4 6.6 experience both running away and CSE running away and CSE with parents and Diversity should incorporate into service design Supporting parents and carers carers and professionals should include and delivery a needs-based approach for the need to respond appropriately to Parents and carers should be provided with There is a need to improve responses to young people that focuses upon providing disclosures of CSE. appropriate and effective support to meet young people from diverse backgrounds individually tailored support. ■■ Professionals that come into contact their needs and assist with their parenting, who experience both running away and ■■ Commissioners and service providers with young people who experience both which will, in turn, benefit their children and CSE. The research identified challenges and should also consider how to effectively running away and CSE, or are at risk of enable parents to protect them and meet their opportunities in working with: black and and appropriately include young people doing so, must recognise the importance of needs. As well as targeting parents and carers minority ethnic (BME) communities; boys with previous experience of running away building relationships based upon trust by to raise their awareness of running away and and young men; lesbian, gay, bisexual and and CSE in preventing and responding to showing care and listening. In the long- CSE, parents and carers should be informed of transgender (LGBT) young people; and those running away and CSE. term gaining young people’s trust allows the importance of knowing where their child with disabilities. There are particular gaps them to seek support and make changes is and who they are with. It is also important in developing an evidence-based approach at the point when their survival strategies to stress the importance of parents and carers to working with young lesbian women, break down. reporting their child as missing to the police and young people with learning difficulties when they have run away, or when they are or disabilities. not where they should be, and there is the possibility that the child may be at risk from To meet these needs, practitioners need their own or others’ actions. to be supported to develop knowledge and understanding of BME communities within the local area, which would, alongside

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achieving other outcomes, support with Required actions to implement 6.7 improving risk assessments relating to BME this action: young people. It is therefore imperative Gaps in knowledge ■■ At a national level, Government should that practitioners working with young address gaps in work with BME people receive diversity training that covers There are a number of gaps in knowledge communities and faith organisations to the needs of BME young people, their about the relationship between running away raise awareness of running away and CSE. communities, cultural beliefs and practices and CSE that require further inquiry to enable and how best to respond to young people from ■■ A similar process should take place at an informed response to be set in place to a range of BME backgrounds. the local level to raise awareness of BME meet these young people’s needs. These gaps communities within the local area. relate to: Work also needs to take place to raise ■■ To support this process champions within ■■ definitions of running away and CSE awareness with BME communities and the BME community should be identified at ■■ working with young people with learning develop culturally appropriate indicators of, both national and local levels who can lead difficulties/disabilities who experience and responses to, running away and CSE on improving awareness and responses to running away and CSE in partnership with representatives from children and young people who experience BME communities. both running away and CSE. ■■ working to protect young people with no awareness of the risks they face in relation ■ ■ Alternative indicators of, and responses to online safety National and local strategies, which include to, running away and CSE should be the above and other required measures, developed with representatives from the ■■ working with Roma and Traveller should be developed to remove obstacles to BME community. young people who experience running BME young people accessing and receiving away and CSE ■■ Work should also take place with the support to effective interventions that are gay community at both national and ■■ lesbian girls and young women’s able to incorporate cultural factors and meet local levels. experiences of running away and CSE. young people’s needs. ■ ■ Commissioning of services and service Required actions to implement this Practitioners also need support and diversity design and delivery should include action: training to improve understanding, reach and different approaches to intervention to ■ responses to LGBT young people. Awareness- meet the needs of different groups of ■ As part of this research dissemination raising also needs to take place with the gay young people. strategy, Barnardo’s and Paradigm Research will work with key stakeholder community to improve levels of knowledge ■■ Statutory and voluntary sector agencies about running away and CSE among children should employ specialist running away organisations to progress a reworked and young people and understanding of and CSE workers with knowledge of definition of CSE. the negative impacts upon young people of learning difficulties/disabilities to improve ■■ Paradigm Research will progress work to experiencing sexual exploitation. outcomes with young people with learning address definitions of running away. difficulties/disabilities. ■■ Despite the challenges in safeguarding Given the proportion of young people who young people who have no awareness of the experience both running away and CSE online risks they face from perpetrators of who have a learning difficulty/disability, the CSE, there is ongoing need for a range of research suggests ensuring these young agencies with the remit of child protection; people receive specialist support from and for internet site providers to consider professionals with expertise in learning measures to safeguard these young people. difficulties/disabilities. ■■ Work should take place within the local area to build links with those who have contact with Roma and Traveller communities to facilitate access to them. ■■ Practice with young people with learning difficulties/disabilities should be collated to provide evidence of ‘what works’ in relation to interventions with young people with learning difficulties/disabilities.

120 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 121 122 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and CSE 123 Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and child sexual exploitation

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