“Please find below an FOI request relating to the trafficking of children and their subsequent care.
1. How many potentially trafficked children you have identified in the last 12 months?
Devon County Council (DCC) is unable to provide these figures under Section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 – ‘Personal Information’. This is because the numbers are 5 or less meaning that release could lead to the identification of the individual(s) concerned which would breach the Data Protection Act principles.
2. How many of these children have been non-UK Nationals?
Devon County Council (DCC) is unable to provide these figures under Section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 – ‘Personal Information’. This is because the numbers are 5 or less meaning that release could lead to the identification of the individual(s) concerned which would breach the Data Protection Act principles.
3. Of the children identified what type of care placements have been sought? (foster care, secure, supported accommodation, children’s home, living independently)
Depending on the age and level of independence of our trafficked children, they could be placed in foster care, supported lodgings, 16+placements or residential units.
4. How many children in this cohort have subsequently a) remained in their original placement b) moved to a different placement c) gone missing short-term (72 hours or less) or d) gone missing long-term (over 72 hours)?”
We hold this information but as disclosure may identify individuals and therefore breach their Data Protection rights we consider the information is exempt under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Section 40(2) ‘Personal Information’.