Children’s Champion

June 1, 2009 No Comments

National Coordinator of the All Wales School Liaison Core Programme, Linda Roberts has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading figures in the fight against the sexual abuse of children after receiving a coveted award last night from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre.

CEOP – the UK’s national law enforcement centre for tackling the sexual exploitation of children – used the opportunity to announce record results with 346 children safeguarded, 714 arrests, 166 high risk sex offender networks dismantled and over four million children and young people empowered through the Thinkuknow education programme since the organisation was launched in April 2006.

Partnership is the hallmark of CEOP’s approach and Linda Roberts was last night recognised for her role in going the extra distance in helping the organisation in its work by receiving the ThinkUKnow Children’s Champion of the Year Award 2009.

Speaking about the award Linda said:

“This award recognises the exceptional work of the four police forces in Wales and reflects the efforts of all those who have contributed to successfully delivering the CEOP objectives in over 1800 schools in Wales”.

The awards, which over the last three years have been presented to over twenty organisations and individuals, aim to recognise those who have gone the extra mile in tackling the sexual abuse of children.

Nominated by staff at the CEOP Centre, the winners range from front line police officers to industry organisations, all of whom have a vested interest in the safeguarding of children and young people.

Jim Gamble, Chief Executive of the CEOP Centre: “Working together in partnership is key to tackling the crime where many children and young people feel they do not have a voice. We would not be able to achieve the results we do without the tireless efforts of those organisations and individuals who really do make a difference.

“I would like to thank and congratulate the winners of our latest awards, not only on behalf of the CEOP Centre, but of those victims whose lives have been changed for the better following their efforts.

South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable David Morris said:

“The All Wales Schools Programme which is delivered in partnership with children, schools and parents to develop awareness of risk, understanding of communities and citizenship values is nationally recognised as best practice.

“For a number of years Linda has championed children’s issues at Welsh Assembly Government and police force level and we have all benefited significantly from her drive and professionalism.

“Her enthusiasm is infectious and shared by the schools and officers who deliver the All Wales School Programme”.

Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, Jane Hutt, said: “The safeguarding and well-being of children and young people is a top priority for the Welsh Assembly Government, but to achieve this we need the support of the relevant agencies and the commitment and dedication of those people who are prepared to go that extra mile.

“I am delighted that Linda Roberts has been honoured by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Service.

“Our commitment is to give children and young people in Wales the best possible start in life by promoting their welfare and protecting them from abuse and neglect.

“Organisations such as the CEOP Centre – pivotal in the fight against child sexual abuse – are entirely dependent on the intelligence provided by others and the contribution made by people like Linda.

“It is fitting that Linda’s hard work and commitment on behalf of children and young people in Wales has been recognised and I wish her well.”

Police News