§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to provide counselling and protection for women and young girls found after being brought into the UK illegally to work in the sex industry; and if he will make a statement. [118151]
§ Beverley HughesThe White Paper "Secure Borders, Safe Haven"—published in February 2002—sets out our general proposals for assisting the victims of trafficking.
On 10 March, we launched a pilot scheme under which adult female victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation who are willing to come forward to the authorities and help law enforcement against organised criminals are offered protection and a range of support services such as counselling and health checks in safe accommodation managed by a voluntary sector organisation.
We will also consider, in the light of individual circumstances, whether it would be appropriate to allow such victims who have co-operated to remain here. Where they are to return home, we will assist them to do so, providing them with initial counselling, ensuring that they have suitable accommodation to return to, and providing help to enable them to re-integrate into their own community and find employment.
Under the provisions of the Children Act 1989 minors are the responsibility of local authority social services departments. It is not possible for minors to be admitted to the pilot scheme.