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The law in Scotland is failing child prostitutes and young runaways, according to children’s charity Barnardo’s, writes Nicola Barry.

The organisation has expressed concern following publication of a Scottish executive report into child prostitutes and runaways.

Douglas Hamilton, policy and research officer for Barnardo’s, said vulnerable children are being trapped into prostitution, coerced, beaten and abused, after finding themselves with no protection.

"Their childhoods have been stolen," he said, "Yet the law does little or nothing to protect them."

The report, from a Scottish executive appointed working group, calls for interviews with young runaways to establish why they left home in the first place. It also demands a greater focus on legal action against the abusers and a better support system for the children.

The interim report will now goes out for further consultation until 24 March. The working group included executive officials, children's charities, police chiefs, the children's panel chairs' group, the Crown Office and social workers.

Copies of the interim report available here