Sarah Champion MP to discuss CSE with social work students

18th March 2016

Social work students at Sheffield Hallam University are set to debate issues around child sexual exploitation (CSE) with Rotherham MP, Sarah Champion.

As part of their final-year studies, the students have chosen to develop their knowledge and understanding around dealing with CSE and have invited Sarah and other speakers to the University tomorrow, to discuss ways in which they can tackle the issue in their future roles. The Labour MP will discuss how she came to set up the Parliamentary inquiry into child sexual exploitation as well as her successful campaign for change to the law on grooming and the impact of the Rotherham grooming scandal. Sarah Champion MP, said: "Social workers play a key frontline role in the fight against child sexual exploitation. Social workers are in a position to not only spot signs of abuse but also prevent abuse from occurring. "The work they do in protecting vulnerable young people should be congratulated. It is difficult, demanding and deserves our respect." Brendan Wood, senior lecturer in social work at Sheffield Hallam, helped the students to organise the conference. He said: "The students have identified a need for a better understanding of an extremely sensitive issue and this conference is a credit to their determination and commitment to helping shape the future of the role of the social worker. "We are one of the biggest training providers in the country for social workers and our links with key organisations and individuals, allows us to provide our students with unique opportunities that will fully prepare them for a successful career in the profession."