Development of a new operational framework to assist prison and probation services in responding to modern slavery and human trafficking

Abstract

This practice note asserts that prison and probation services have a significant and unique role in contributing to anti-slavery regimes which has been largely overlooked. It sets out the development of a new framework to assist prison and probation services in responding to modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT) using three key themes. The first centres on raising awareness of known types and methods of MSHT. It captures emerging new risks and threats and acknowledges a wide diversity of offending where people are used as commodities for the financial gain of their exploiters. The second theme suggests ways in which potential justice-involved victims can be identified, supported to recover, and how risks of further exploitation may be reduced. The third theme seeks to develop ways in which those involved in slavery and trafficking offending can be disrupted, managed and supported to desist. It includes consideration of the victim-perpetrator overlap and the impact on public and victim confidence in how perpetrators are managed. It is understood that the new framework may represent the first comprehensive approach for prison and probation services in responding to slavery and trafficking.