#LookCloser: Safeguarding transgender young people from exploitation

This session will explore how barriers in society, including discrimination, can lead to us failing to protect transgender (trans) and non binary young people from exploitation and harm, and what we can do to overcome these in our practice and in our systems. 

This session will draw on our recent consultation with young people from across England and Wales, existing literature and learning from various LGBTQ+ organisations.  

From this evidence, it is clear that gender identity is fundamental to children and young people’s lives, but that sadly trans young people in our society today still face systemic discrimination and disadvantage, demonstrated by the high rates of homelessness which trans young people experience. Discrimination against the trans community creates opportunities for perpetrators to exploit transgender young people, as they can prey on isolation, low self-esteem and offer access to gender affirmation.  

In this session, we will explore the risks which trans young people are facing in 2025 and share the views and experiences of professionals who specialise in working with these young people. We will examine the specific risks trans young people face and how building more inclusive services will better protect them from harm. We are grateful to have had the support of trans specialist charity Gendered Intelligence in developing this session. 

This session for professionals aims to:  

• Support professionals to understand trans identities and how to respect these in their work with children and young people 

• Explore the specific challenges faced by trans children due to discrimination, disadvantage and other systemic failings, and how these may lead to heightened risk of exploitation.  

• Consider trans inclusive approaches to identifying, assessing, and supporting children and young people 

• Demonstrate the value of a person-centred, holistic and inclusive approach to understanding and responding to exploitation and abuse. 

Please note, that although we value the importance of a safe and non-judgemental learning space, The Prevention Programme and The Children’s Society as a whole are committed to anti-oppressive practice and will not tolerate any intentional transphobia during this learning session.