Thousands of children affected by modern slavery are being 'overlooked and forgotten' by the system, a charity has said.
Hestia has warned that at least 5,000 children who were with their parents while they were exploited, or born as a result of exploitation, are not getting the support they need.
The crisis charity is calling on the Government to amend the Modern Slavery Act 2015 to recognise children as victims in their own right.
It also wants a new system of Children and Family Advocates to focus on the needs of the child., and for more training for health professionals, teachers and social workers.
Patrick Ryan, chief executive at Hestia, said: 'Rebuilding a life after the trauma of modern slavery is a long and difficult journey. The risk of intergenerational transmission of this trauma is great. What is clear from our research is that we are failing survivors and their children. They are being overlooked, misunderstood, and forgotten.
'Too often, the support put in place to help families does not understand their needs, making their recovery journeys harder and longer.'
