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Grooming gangs inquiry will shine a light on Birmingham, says children's trust chief
Overview
The chief executive of Birmingham Children's Trust has welcomed the expansion of the national inquiry into grooming gangs to include Birmingham and Wales, stating it will help raise awareness of child sexual exploitation. A recent trust report revealed up to 98 child sexual exploitation cases are being investigated in the city, while discussions continue surrounding data recording, police responses, and safeguarding vulnerable children.
Key points
- The national inquiry into grooming gangs has expanded its scope to include Birmingham and Wales.
- Birmingham Children's Trust reported up to 98 child sexual exploitation cases are currently under investigation in the city.
- James Thomas, chief executive of Birmingham Children's Trust, stated the inquiry provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the issue.
- West Midlands Police recently began routinely recording the ethnicity of child sexual exploitation offenders, following criticism of previous data recording.
- Local leaders and politicians have emphasised the need for the inquiry to drive meaningful change and ensure children are properly protected.