Charity warns vulnerable children still falling through gaps despite new commitments

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has pledged renewed action to tackle the criminal exploitation of children, as a leading charity warns that vulnerable young people across Wales remain at serious risk of harm.

The commitment follows a ministerial statement issued on Wednesday (March 19) by Social Justice Secretary Jane Hutt and Minister for Children and Social Care Dawn Bowden, acknowledging the scale of exploitation affecting children nationwide.

The announcement comes in response to growing concern over so-called “county lines” activity, grooming, and organised crime networks targeting children, often drawing them into drug dealing, violence, and other illegal activity.

Serious gaps highlighted

The statement references the findings of the Jay Review of Criminally Exploited Children, commissioned by Action for Children, which identified major shortcomings in how agencies respond to at-risk young people.

The review found that children are too often treated as offenders rather than victims, with inconsistent support depending on where they live. It also warned that a lack of coordination between services has allowed many children to slip through the net.

Action for Children Cymru welcomed the Welsh Government’s recognition of these issues but stressed that more must now be done.

Laurie Ryall, Director for Action for Children Cymru, said: “Children who are criminally exploited are victims of abuse, and it is encouraging to see the Welsh Government treating this issue with the urgency and seriousness it demands.

“The Jay Review made clear that too many children fall through the gaps between services and that must change.”

Call for national strategy

The Welsh Government has committed to a more joined-up, child-centred approach, focusing on trauma-informed support and closer working between education, social services, police, and community organisations.

Ministers have also highlighted the importance of long-term planning and consistency across Wales, amid concerns about a “postcode lottery” in the level of protection offered to children.

However, Action for Children is now urging ministers to go further by developing a comprehensive national strategy to tackle exploitation.

Mr Ryall added: “We welcome today’s response and the commitment to improved coordination, stronger guidance, and a truly child-centred approach.

“We would encourage the next Welsh Government to build on this work by developing a national strategy to ensure a consistent, joined-up approach to protecting vulnerable children and young people across Wales.”

Growing concern across Wales

Criminal exploitation of children has become an increasing concern for police and safeguarding agencies across Wales, particularly in relation to drug networks operating between urban and rural areas.

Young people are often groomed through intimidation, coercion, or promises of money, before being used to transport drugs, weapons, or cash.

Experts warn that many victims are not recognised as such, with some instead entering the criminal justice system.

‘Victims, not criminals’

Action for Children emphasised that a shift in mindset is needed across all agencies, recognising exploited children primarily as victims of abuse.

The charity said it would continue working with Welsh Government and frontline organisations to ensure that vulnerable children receive the protection, support, and stability they need.

The Welsh Government has indicated that further details on implementation and next steps will follow, as it seeks to strengthen safeguarding systems and prevent children from being drawn into criminal activity.

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.

Further information is available on The National Lottery Community Fund website.

A NEW national framework aimed at securing a lasting legacy from the National Eisteddfod has been published jointly by the festival’s organisers and the Welsh Government.

The plan sets out how the Eisteddfod’s impact will be strengthened before, during and after each annual event, bringing together partners from across education, community development, culture, the economy and the Welsh language sector.

While each Eisteddfod reflects the identity of its host community, the framework aims to ensure long-term benefits are consistently delivered nationwide, rather than limited to the festival period.

The legacy programme will cover a wide range of areas including education, inclusion, digital innovation, volunteering and economic development, with new national and local structures designed to coordinate delivery more effectively.

A national project board will oversee the strategy, setting direction and sharing best practice year-on-year. At a local level, a steering group will drive community-based work, helping turn the Eisteddfod into a catalyst for lasting change.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford said the festival’s impact goes far beyond a single week.

“The Eisteddfod is far more than a week-long festival. It is a multi-year project that leaves a lasting legacy for the Welsh language and culture in the area,” he said.

“By bringing together partners from across key sectors, this framework will help deliver real and lasting change for our communities and support our ambition of reaching a million Welsh speakers by 2050.”

Nic Parry, President of the Eisteddfod Court and Chair of its Management Board, said the framework strengthens collaboration at both local and national level.

“It allows us to deliver on a long-held ambition to drive language planning through the lens of the National Eisteddfod,” he said.

“It also positions the Eisteddfod as a powerful tool for boosting local economies and supporting sustainable communities for future generations.”

Further details are expected later this year, with membership of the national project board due to be confirmed by mid-June.

A dedicated session at this year’s Eisteddfod will also gather evidence from the 2026 host area to help shape future plans for 2027 and 2028.

More information is available via the Eisteddfod’s legacy framework online.