Understanding how children are trafficked and exploited within the UK and internationally, and how to make a National Referral Mechanism referral.
Trafficking is the exploitation of children through force, coercion, or deception for purposes such as labour, crime, or sexual abuse, including moving them for exploitation.
Child trafficking involves the recruitment, transport, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of a child for the purpose of exploitation. Under international law, no consent given by a child can make trafficking lawful. In the UK, the Modern Slavery Act 2015 provides the legislative framework for identifying and prosecuting trafficking and slavery offences. Children may be trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, or criminal activity such as drug supply.
Traffickers may pose as family members, romantic partners, or legitimate employers. Children are moved across county or national borders and controlled through debt bondage, violence, threats, or psychological manipulation. The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the formal UK process for identifying potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking and ensuring they receive appropriate support.
In your child's behaviour
On their device
Know how to make an NRM referral
Any first responder — including teachers, social workers, and police — can make a referral to the NRM using the online referral form via the Home Office. Referrals should be made for any child where there are reasonable grounds to believe they may be a victim of trafficking or modern slavery.
Share information across agencies
Modern slavery and trafficking cases require co-ordinated responses across police, social care, health, education, and immigration services. Use your local MASH and ensure all agencies are aware of the child's situation.
Contact the Modern Slavery Helpline for advice
The Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 provides 24/7 advice for professionals and members of the public who have concerns about modern slavery or trafficking. They can advise on identification, referral, and next steps.
In immediate danger: call 999. For non-emergency police matters, call 101.
Concerned about a child but it's not an emergency? NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000. Childline for young people 0800 1111.
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-10