Police Scotland and Barnardo's have launched a new scheme in Aberdeen and Dundee

A new partnership between Police Scotland and Barnardo's has developed a programme in response to child sexual exploitation (CSE).

The official launch of the new programme, which will run as a pilot for two years, took place in Aberdeen and Dundee this week. The initiative is funded by Barnardo’s Scotland, Police Scotland and Comic Relief.

The aim of the programme is to reach, protect and support children and young people who are at risk of CSE in their local area.

CSE advisors from the charity’s RISE (Reducing the Impact of Sexual Exploitation) service will support Police Scotland’s officers by improving their support to children under the age of 18.

In consultation with Police Scotland, the CSE advisor will assist in identifying and disrupting perpetrators and perpetrator networks, protecting current victims, and preventing potential victims, by bringing together intelligence information.

Peter Nield, Barnardo’s Scotland’s assistant director, said: “Having CSE Advisors co-located within police divisions, and embedded within local child protection arrangements, will help ensure that the right systems and supports are in place which identify and respond to child sexual exploitation and improve outcomes for vulnerable and at risk children and young people”.

Assistant chief constable Andy Cowie, said: “Children across Scotland are being groomed by sexual predators for the purposes of sexual exploitation. We also know that children may not realise that they are being exploited.

“Partnership working is key to prevention which is why the CSE advisor pilots are hugely important.”

More information can be accessed on the Police Scotland website.