Parent talks to help keep their children safe
Havering residents are being invited to a series of talks to help them spot the signs of child criminal exploitation and gain information about what to do if they suspect a child could be at risk.
Six public talks are being held across the borough in response to calls from the public for more information about what is known as county lines.
These talks will inform the public of how drug dealers groom and utilise vulnerable young people to help them run their illegal operations.
A series of meetings were held in schools earlier in the year, led by a Trident police officer who said that keeping children safe was everyone’s responsibility.
Parents from across Havering who attended these talks reported that they were very informative and supportive in helping them spot the signs and better protect their children.
Havering Council has arranged for the talks to be held between October 7 and 16 and is encouraging adult members of the community to attend.
Councillor Viddy Persaud, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Safety, said:
“The Council has set up these meetings in direct response to parents’ concerns for more information about county lines, how they can spot the signs of exploitation and what they can do to protect their children.
“Keeping our children safe is paramount and stopping them from being exploited and knowing where to get help and support is vital if we’re to keep them from getting involved in a life of crime outside of school.”
The talks are free to attend and are for over 18s only. Tickets must be booked in advance and only one ticket is available per person.