A NEW programme from Merseyside Police and five safeguarding boards across Merseyside hopes to fight against child exploitation and tackle the issue of missing children.

Pan - the Merseyside Child Exploitation and Missing Children Protocols are being launched on Tuesday, to ensure a consistent approach to tackle these issues across Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, Liverpool and St Helens.

The launch event will take place at Everton Football Club and representatives from the five safeguarding boards, strategic services such as children’s homes and referral units, alongside representatives from the voluntary sector will attend..

Key note speakers such as Sefton Council chief executive Margaret Carney, crime commissioner Jane Kennedy and assistant chief constable Serena Kennedy will talk about the issues faced and give details how the new protocols will be rolled out.

Ms Kennedy said: “Keeping our young people safe must be a priority for all public agencies. Today’s launch demonstrates that this responsibility is taken very seriously by all the partners here in Merseyside.

“As a region we are committed to working together to deliver a consistent, high-quality service that prevents exploitation of all kinds and protects young people, no matter where they live.

"Sadly, we know that some young victims do not recognise that they are being exploited.

"That means we need all professionals to know how to spot the signs that a child may be at risk and take the appropriate steps to keep them safe.

"These pan-Merseyside protocols provide the tools, the risk assessments and referral pathways to ensure the right response at the right time for young people who may be vulnerable."

Senior service coordinator Ellie Fairgrieve said: “Catch22 believe there should be no barriers in responding to child exploitation, and our team are excited to continue our work with all five local authorities and Merseyside Police to keep children safe. Merseyside is leading the way in fighting child exploitation."