Falling through the net – prevention and protection: The exploitation of learning disabled and neurodivergent children and young people.
- Tuesday 4 November 2025
- 12:00 - 13:00
- This event has passed
Join us for the fourth webinar in our ExChange Wales autumn conference 'Safeguarding Approaches for Criminally Exploited Children.'
Speakers
Sarah Goff
Research Associate, Manchester Metropolitan University
Anita Franklin
Professor of Childhood Studies and Faculty Lead for Health and Education in the Institute for Children's Futures, Manchester Metropolitan University
The exploitation of learning disabled and neurodivergent children and young people is a concern given the higher rates of abuse and exploitation experienced by children with special educational needs and disabilities. This presentation will consider the needs of these children and their parents for help and support.
Based on a study published in 2024 aimed at exploring policy gaps, examining practice responses, consulting with practitioners and parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities, this presentation will focus on the implications for practice. It will explore gaps in practice and what practitioners can do to respond in ways which seek earlier identification and more appropriately tailored responses.
The study was funded by the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre and conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Portsmouth in partnership with Portsmouth City Council.