The University of Bedfordshire’s independent evaluation team has published largely positive interim findings after four and a half months of the child trafficking advocates trials in England.

The interim findings report states that “The advocates are largely perceived [...] to be doing well. Evidence of advocates’ positive influence in individual cases is beginning to emerge.”

However, the report notes that “the rate of allocation of cases to the CTA trial is lower than expected” and that referrals of most children had taken up to a week rather than the target window of two hours or as soon as practicably possible. Although there could be many reasons for these delays, including issues related to ensuring immediate protection for a child, the delays are concerning and will be looked at further in the evaluation’s final report.

The evaluation team also reports mixed findings about the openness of local authorities to the advocates saying “the responses from local authorities have been largely positive and there have been examples of collaboration between Barnardo’s and local authorities. However there have been a small number of cases where advocates have reported resistance from local authorities.”

The interim evaluation report also raises the possibility that advocates might be more effective and receive greater cooperation from local authorities if they had legal powers and authority. It is noteworthy that these powers and authority have now been added to the Modern Slavery Bill.

After only four and a half months and with only a small number of children referred to the trials it is too early to draw clear conclusions. However, the signs are positive. We look forward to the final evaluation which will look in particular at the referral mechanisms, the legal status and qualifications of advocates as well as comparing the experience of children with advocates to those without them.

Background info

• The child trafficking advocate trials were announced by the Government in January and Barnardo’s was chosen to provide the advocacy service.
• The trial advocates scheme operates in 23 local authority areas in England.
• According to the trial the advocates role is (i) to help trafficked children to understand what is happening to them, and speak up for them when necessary; and (ii) to enhance timely, clear and consistent decision making by stakeholders in criminal justice, immigration and social care services.
• The advocates began operating in September 2014 and the trial will run for one year.
• Although absent from the Draft Bill, the Modern Slavery Bill contains provisions about child trafficking advocates which have been strengthened during its passage through Parliament.
• Following the full independent evaluation of the trials according to the Modern Slavery Bill the Home Secretary must present a resolution to Parliament outlining what steps will be taken in respect of a national scheme.
• Click here for more information about why child trafficking advocates sometimes called “guardians” are needed.