Skip to content

Page Title Goes Here

Main h1 goes here

Running Away, Sexual Exploitation and Child Trafficking (SCARPA)

What is the SCARPA project?

The SCARPA project is a service provided to young people who have run away from home, have been sexually exploited or trafficked.   The Children's Society, Barnardos and Save the Children are working together to provide this service and their primary aim is to contribute to the stay safe outcome for young people, both in Newcastle and more broadly across Northumbria.

What are we doing?

An information sharing protocol is now in place between police and SCARPA in relation to young people who go missing. And an early intervention and prevention pilot is planned to target the young people most at risk of going missing or running away in order to develop strategies for support.

How can young people access this service?

Young people will be able to access the service by self-referral, referrals by agencies and identified through outreach.

Individual casework continues for young people at risk or involved in sexual exploitation in Northumbria. SCARPA report that the same addresses are being visited by different young people. There is now a practice group meeting every 2 months for workers across Northumbria to share and develop their practice.

What are the common risk factors displayed by young people at risk of exploitation?

  • Relationships with an ‘older boyfriend’ who may be a coercer
  • Going missing from home or care
  • Change in friendships / disassociation with established peer groups
  • Possession of money without explanation
  • Acquisition of clothing, mobile phone, other gifts
  • Physical symptoms such as sexually transmitted infection, bruising, suggestive of physical/sexual assault

Where can I find other useful information about SCARPA?

Who can I contact?

SCARPA
Brunswick Methodist Church
Brunswick Place
Newcastle
NE1 7BJ
Phone: 0191 221 0836
Young People’s free phone number: 0808 178 9185

Â