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CASPAR briefing

Publication date June 2025
Summary of the National audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse: CASPAR briefing

This report was commissioned by the Prime Minister and Home Secretary to evaluate our understanding of the scale, nature and drivers of child sexual exploitation and abuse by ‘grooming gangs’ in England and Wales (Home Office, 2025).

The audit was led by Baroness Casey and carried out in March, April and May 2025. Reviewers assessed a range of national and local data and reports, as well as meeting with survivors, police, local authorities and other organisations and individuals.

This briefing summarises the key findings from the report, including:

  • what can be learnt about the scale of group-based child sexual exploitation (CSE)
  • the nature of group-based CSE and the characteristics of victims and perpetrators
  • the issues hampering efforts to protect children from ‘grooming gangs’
  • recommendations to government, including the government’s response.
Summary of the National audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse: CASPAR briefing
Download the briefing (PDF)

CASPAR briefings

Our CASPAR briefings help people working or volunteering with children and young people understand changes to safeguarding and child protection policy and guidance. They also summarise key research and reports from independent bodies such as Ofsted and the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel.

> See the full list of briefings

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References

Home Office (2025) National audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse. [Accessed 20/06/2025].