Missing Children: A critical analysis of complex vulnerabilities in England

• In Event: Data acquiring, sharing and analysing for better Criminal Policy Making

Abstract

The UN Committee for the Rights of the Child (June 2023) concluding observations on the combined sixth and seventh reports on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. States in section Co-ordination “12. (a) Strengthen its data-collection system with regard to both qualitative and quantitative indicators that encompasses all areas of the Convention and ensure that 4 CRC/C/GBR/CO/5, para. 11. CRC/C/GBR/CO/6-7 4 the data are disaggregated by age, sex, disability, geographical location, ethnic origin, nationality and socioeconomic background;”
To understand the lack of prevention of Child Modern Slavery and Child trafficking (CT); the preventable causes of CMS and CT; I have produced a data set spanning five years on Missing Children in England. Obtained through Freedom of information requests to all county councils and respective police forces in England, highlighting the disparate information held. By producing joined up intersectional clearly defined demographical data surrounding children; especially complex vulnerabilities such as poverty, and regional inequalities, prevention and detection of missing children as an identifier of vulnerability to CMS and CT can be achieved. The goal is to propose statutory guidance on information holding and sharing of clearly defined demographical data within practices and agencies, creating greater support in the prevention of trafficking/modern slavery of children. Demographical data, if achieved, disseminated and utilised effectively across collaborative services and local authorities could and should produce better outcomes in prevention. There is a real opportunity to aid in better information and data for agencies, information sharing practices, prevention and policy, resulting in better outcomes for vulnerable children.

Author

• Lisa Calder, Sheffield Hallam University