Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Vulnerable, Exploited, Missing, Trafficked (VEMT)

Children and young people who are sexually exploited are the victims of child sexual abuse, and their needs require careful assessment. They are likely to be in need of welfare services and - in many cases - protection under the Children Act 1989.  This group may include children who have been sexually abused through the misuse of technology, coerced into sexual activity by criminal gangs or the victims of trafficking. Children and Young People in these circumstances can go missing, run away from home or care and may also be in Private Fostering arrangements.

Stockton-on-Tees Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) has recognised the need for agencies and professionals to work together to protect these vulnerable young people and has established the VEMT Task Group for this purpose.  The lead officer and chair of the VEMT Task Group is the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Service Manager (Referral & Assessment) Children, Education & Social Care: Liz Abbott.

This group will put in place systems to monitor prevalence and responses in respect of the issues that affect this vulnerable group of young people and will report their findings to the Safeguarding Children Board.

The Terms of Reference and Notes from the VEMT Task Group can be found below. 

Further information and guidance documents relating to the issues referred to above are included in the linked pages that are available from the drop down menu on the left.  

Please note where there are references to SLSCB information of a confidential or sensitive nature within documents linked to this page they will be amended, removed or will not be released.