Independent Child Trafficking Guardianship Service
House of Commons · Written Statements · 13 Jul 2026 · 1 speech · Official Report
I am today announcing the award of a new £25 million national contract for the independent child trafficking guardianship service, which provides specialist support to potential and confirmed child victims of trafficking, modern slavery and exploitation in England and Wales. Following a robust procurement process, the contract has been awarded to Barnardo’s. The service will provide independent advocacy and support to children referred into the national referral mechanism, alongside specialist advice and expertise for the professionals working with them. Drawing on expertise in child trafficking, modern slavery and exploitation, independent child trafficking guardians strengthen multi-agency safeguarding responses, help protect children from further harm, support their recovery, reduce the risk of re-trafficking and ensure that their best interests are central to decisions affecting their care and future. Since its introduction in 2017, the ICTG pilot service has expanded in phases and now operates across two thirds of local authorities in England and Wales. The service has played an important role in strengthening safeguarding arrangements and supporting children’s recovery. However, phased expansion has resulted in uneven access to support and the absence of a consistent national offer. The need for specialist support is clear. In the year ending March 2025, the ICTG service received 2,730 referrals of potential child victims of modern slavery-an increase of 10 % on the...