Young survivors of modern slavery ‘face cliff edge’ as they turn 18

A new report explores the impact of inadequate support for young survivors of modern slavery in the UK as they turn 18. 

Young people face a cliff edge as support services in the UK fall away when they transition from childhood to adulthood. They are often left to navigate complex systems on their own, or without practical support to access housing, medical care, education, or mental health services. 

‘Avoiding the cliff edge: working with young survivors of modern slavery as they turn 18’ is informed by the voices of young adult survivors of modern slavery who have provided crucial insights on their priorities and experiences. 

One survivor who was interviewed said: “They told me two weeks before my 18^th birthday I was going to move to independent living…I didn’t feel prepared.”

Yet another survivor said: “If I had to get the bus, I wasn’t told which ticket to buy… I was just thrown out and it was like ‘you need to figure this out on your own, that’s not our problem anymore.’” 

Many of the young people who were interviewed for this project spoke of their need for ongoing support with practical matters including housing, personal finance and mental health. Several participants expressed that they felt ill-prepared to navigate these issues on their own. 

The report, which puts forward a number of key recommendations, was formally launched during a webinar today. Among the key speakers were Fatmata Sesay and Sosa Henkoma, two independent consultants with lived experience of modern slavery, who were commissioned to: conduct a review of the systems and services which young people must navigate, and interview young people about their experiences of the support they received or would like to receive. 

Sosa Henkoma, LEAP Consultant, said: “I was exploited. I felt like an outsider and found safety with other people and was involved in gangs. My focus now is to change the path for the younger generation and make sure their voices are heard. That’s why this research is important for me.” 

Euan Fraser, Senior Policy and Research Advisor at Hope for Justice, said: “One of Hope for Justice’s organisational principles is that we are person-centred in our response to modern slavery. We work for the best possible outcomes for individuals, addressing their unique needs. In the development of this report and our policy recommendations, it was therefore of the utmost importance that we put survivors and young people’s voices and experiences at the centre. We are incredibly grateful to Sosa and Fatmata for their work to make this happen. We hope that lived and learned experience will be central to the development of policy solutions and to shaping responses that ensure the long-term recovery and protection of young people.” 

There were also speeches delivered by three individuals who work with young people, including Elle Williams, Child Trafficking Transition Specialist (CTTS) at Hope for Justice, who shared insights from her work with young people. She was joined by Cat Baker, Child Trafficking Transition Lead at the Snowdrop Project, and Patricia Durr, CEO at ECPAT UK. The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons also spoke at the webinar. Eleanor is passionate about listening to and incorporating the voices of those with lived experience of modern slavery into policy. Attendees heard a brief update from the Home Office about its work in this area.

This report builds on the work of Hope for Justice’s Child Trafficking Transition Specialist (CTTS), a role created to provide independent advocacy for young adult survivors in the UK as they turn 18. The CTTS ensures survivors can make informed choices about their entitlements and recovery. This advocacy is person-led and trauma-informed, and the service is not time-limited. The experiences and insights shared by young survivors within the report reflect Hope for Justice’s experiences of working with young people.  

Elle Williams, Child Trafficking Transition Specialist IMSA at Hope for Justice, said: “Turning 18 can feel overwhelming — it’s a big transition filled with new responsibilities and unfamiliar systems. And for young people who have experienced trauma or exploitation, and particularly for those who have arrived from another country, navigating this stage can be especially complex. Too often, the support they relied on ends abruptly at 18, leaving them isolated and without guidance in a new and unfamiliar environment, trying to navigate very complex systems. That is why it is so important we ensure young people continue to have the support they need through this transition — so they are equipped to build the lives they choose for themselves, with safety, dignity, and stability.” 

One of the young adult survivors who was interviewed said: “The best thing about having someone to support you is knowing that they have your back even if something goes wrong there is someone there for you to lean on and who can help you. Like having a safety net.” 

Hope for Justice has been providing independent advocacy to adult survivors for more than 15 years. We are working in partnership with the British Red Cross, the Snowdrop Project, the Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse, SOHTIS and consultants with lived experience to establish a national, accredited model of independent advocacy. 

Fatmata said: “I am so excited that at last, through the IMSA model, we have one person who survivors can go through their journey with, who is almost going to be like their ally, helping them to navigate through the system.”