Laura Sharman 02 March 2022

Teenagers at risk of exploitation due to 'decade-long breakdown in help'

Teenagers at risk of exploitation due to decade-long breakdown in help image
Image: Kamira / Shutterstock.com

Thousands of teenagers from all backgrounds are at risk from exploitation, grooming and harm because their families aren’t getting the support they need, a report has warned today.

The Commission on Young Lives points to a decade-long breakdown in help and support, calling the dismantling of Sure Start ‘a historic mistake’. The report also found families feel ignored and abandoned, with services frequently being done to them rather than with them.

Parents told the Commission they were told no help exists, or were given ineffective responses, when they reported concerns to social services or the police.

The report calls for a new partnership with families to safeguard vulnerable teenagers, including the reintroduction of the Government ‘Family Test’ to assess the impact of all Government policies on families.

Other recommendations include a legal duty for local agencies to deliver early intervention and the roll out of Family Hubs in every disadvantaged area.

Anne Longfield, Chair of the Commission on Young Lives, said: 'The conveyor belt of vulnerable children available to county lines, gangs, and abusers will continue to roll on while families are left without help beyond a blizzard of bureaucracy and assessment forms, and where they feel services are being done to them rather than with them. <[>'I am increasingly struck by the number of middle-class parents who are discovering what many disadvantaged families have known for years: organised criminals have a ruthless business model, and the decade-long breakdown in help and support, combined with the impact of Covid, is exposing their teenage children to serious violence and exploitation. They don’t know where to turn to when it happens and feel abandoned and ignored.'

Iryna Pona, policy manager at The Children’s Society, added: 'We would welcome a much wider rollout of family hubs to offer this support, but these should be just one part of a huge package of government investment in children’s social care to help rebuild early intervention services ravaged by years of funding cuts.

'The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care is this summer likely to place a strong emphasis on early help in its recommendations, giving ministers a golden opportunity to respond with the funding needed by councils.'

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner