Children and Young People Network (Adur and Worthing) 5 March 2019

Children and Young People’s Network - Modern Slavery affecting Children and Young People

The Adur and Worthing Children and Young People´s Network brings together organisations working on relevant issues to share experience and good practice, discuss policy development, and look for shared learning. It is a great opportunity to network and keep up to date with policy change and opportunities in the sector.

This session will be hearing from:

• Lancing Youth Council will be providing us with an update on their work through out the year and the benefits of working with Young People on the issues that affect them.
• Serious Issues affecting Young people in Adur and Worthing - a presentation and discussion led by Sophie Whitehouse - Lead for Early Help and Wellbeing:

"Modern Slavery is fast becoming one of the most profitable crimes for Organised Crime Gangs. Hidden in plain sight in our communities, it can be hard to spot the signs.

County Lines, the organised supply of class A drugs in coastal and rural towns, is the fastest rising form of modern slavery and is impacting us on a daily basis here on the Sussex Coast. Young children, often from London, are groomed and exploited by gangs to come to towns like this to set up shop in properties of our most vulnerable tenants. On call 24 hours a day and at risk of serious violence if they don't comply, these children are working amongst us, day in, day out....

This session will discuss what to look for, explore the phenomenon of cuckoo-ing and update you on the work that is taking place to tackle this crime"

Session aims:

• To gain an understanding of the issues affecting children and young people in the area
• To share practical resources to support ourselves and young people
• To hear from colleagues working in the sector
• To leave with a sense of optimism and hope that we can all make a difference

We will prioritise giving places to our members and voluntary and community organisations operating in Adur and Worthing.

To find out how to become a member see our website.