The Oak Fellow
The Oak Fellowship is the result of a partnership between the Centre for Rural Childhood based at Perth College, University of the Highlands and Islands and the Oak Foundation.
The role of the Oak Fellow is to support the learning and exchange of knowledge surrounding the recovery and reintegration of children affected by sexual exploitation and related trafficking globally.
Background
The post builds upon exploratory research undertaken by the late Professor Stewart Asquith and Elspeth Turner.
The 2008 report 'Recovery and reintegration of children from the effects of sexual exploitation and related trafficking' identified a number of gaps in the field including a lack of evidence of what works for children in recovery and reintegration; a lack of training opportunities for practitioners and a limited flow of knowledge and learning between agencies.
The findings of the report were discussed at an inter-agency meeting which included representatives from ECPAT, UNICEF, Save the Children, Terre des Hommes and the Oak Foundation. Participants agreed that there was a need for more co-ordination and learning in this area. In response, the position of Oak Fellow was created.