Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation due to gaps in policies, lack of funding, lack of strategy and little recognition of their vulnerability, according to new research carried out by Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Portsmouth, in partnership with Portsmouth City Council.

Many children with SEND are waiting years for recognition of their needs, diagnosis and the right support, which leads to isolation, segregation within or being excluded from school, and periods of missing, exposing children to greater risks of grooming and exploitation. Despite the parents’ desperate efforts to get support, this is leading to devasting consequences such as attempts by children to take their own lives, self-harm, enforced house moves and children placed away from home.

Read the full story and the research summary and report on the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Center website.