WEST Midlands Police are holding a major conference tonight to better understanding of child abuse and protecting vulnerable youngsters.

In aid of National Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Awareness Day tomorrow, the event will bring together more than 200 child protection authorities and charities to examine ways that agencies can identify early abuse warning signs.

Chief Inspector Dean Young at West Midlands Police said: “We have more than 250 officers working in child protection teams – but it is the responsibility of every police officer, and indeed anyone who comes into contact with young people, to protect children from exploitation.

“This event brings together experts from all areas of child protection; only by working with our partners in health, education, social care and housing can we understand the complex, deep-rooted issues surrounding exploitation and better protect vulnerable children.”

CSE survivor Adella Snape, who was sexually exploited by gang members from the age of 14, will be speaking at the event entitled ‘Can you see me, can your hear me, will you listen?’

She now works with West Midlands Police on their school’s programme to raise awareness of CSE amongst pupils and the tactics offenders use to lure children into exploitation.

Tonight, delegates will be asked to sign and submit a pledge detailing efforts they will make to tackle CSE and other forms of child abuse on the back of what they have heard at the conference.