Synopsis: |
In 2006 the Government recognized that the protection of children required a multi-organizational approach with local, national and international cross-sector co-operation in order to limit offender opportunities and protect the community, in particular children and young people. As a consequence, the Government created the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), strongly supported by the police, the internet industry and by the third sector, all of whom recognized the need for a coordinated and holistic approach to the issue of child protection in a digital age. This included developing and implementing a 'one stop shop' for internet related issues that had an impact on the safety and security of children and young people online. Since its inception CEOP has: rescued over 500 children; led to the arrest of over 800 people seeking to harm children; developed the leading UK child internet safety website 'ThinkUKnow', backed up by a comprehensive schools programme with award winning materials; and, achieved significant success through its 'Most Wanted' website, which targets missing sexual offenders who offend against children.CEOP has been affiliated with the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), but the Government now believe that the time is right to give CEOP a legal identity of its own as a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB). "Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP): The Way Forward ("Cm. 7785")" sets out the achievements of CEOP, the reasoning for the change in status, the existing remit and further areas of work in which CEOP should develop policies. |