ALL children aged 10 and over who are referred to children’s services in Hampshire County Council are now assessed for risk of child exploitation.

This is revealed in the Hampshire Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report which going before the Health and Wellbeing Board today.

The paper also reports how Hampshire police identified 17 children in the county as being at risk of child sexual exploitation during 2012 and 2013.

It also identifies how the county has above average numbers of children who have a child protection plan aimed at safeguarding neglected and abused children.

During 2012 and 2013 numbers rose by 795 to 909.

The report states: “The national and local trends reflect greater pressure on families caused by recession and poverty.”

Better recognition of signs of abuse is another factor.