§ Mrs. LawrenceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what support his Department offers to(a) women and (b) children who have been victims of human trafficking; and what funding has been allocated to this work. [144610]
§ Paul GogginsThe White Paper "Secure Borders, Safe Haven"—published in February 2002—sets out our general proposals for assisting the victims of trafficking. On March 10, we launched a pilot scheme offering protection and support to adult female victims of trafficking for purpose of sexual exploitation. The victims who are willing to come forward to the authorities, and help law enforcement against organized criminals, are offered protection—through safe accommodation, and a range of support services such as counselling and health checks, 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.
211WUnder 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.
The funding allocation over three years (2002–05) is £1.3 million.