“The harrowing exploitation of children and young people is a significant, increasing concern for councils who work hard to identify and protect those at risk of abuse.
Responding to the final Young Lives report on protecting vulnerable teenagers from exploitation, gangs and violence, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, Cllr Nesil Caliskan said: “The harrowing exploitation of children and young people is a significant, increasing concern for councils who work hard to identify and protect those at risk of abuse.
“As councils, police, health services and community safety partners prepare for the forthcoming Serious Violence Duty, it is important that this duty is fully funded to make a difference locally.
“Greater investment is also needed in early prevention and mental health services, including council-run youth services which play a vital role in helping young people avoid being drawn into harmful and dangerous situations. However, these services have seen funding reduced by more than two-thirds in real terms since 2010, which means limited funding for prevention work is being diverted into services to protect children who are at immediate risk of harm.
“Government must respond to these pressures and provide appropriate funding for children and youth services to prevent children from being exploited and ensure the right support is available for all young people, whatever their needs.”