Safe house set for closure

The UK’s only safe house for children who have been
trafficked is to close down, it has been announced by West Sussex
County Council.

The council, which funds the service, said that a decrease in
demand since the house began three years ago had led to their
decision.

The anti-trafficking campaign group Ecpat UK, has written to
health minister Jacqui Smith requesting a meeting to discuss the
closure and the need for legislation and more support services for
trafficked children.

“Although it is the only one in the country at least it keeps
the issue of trafficked children on the agenda and provides a best
practice model for other social services departments,” said Carron
Somerset, campaign officer for the group.