Welsh ministers have issued guidance for professionals on how to tackle child trafficking.
Official figures suggest more than 300 children have been trafficked in the UK since 2004, usually for financial gain from slavery, forced labour, prostitution, illegal adoption, to act as drug mules or for the removal of organs.
The advice published by deputy health minister Gwenda Thomas on Tuesday aims to increase awareness among those responsible for protecting children.
It sets out the methods used by traffickers and highlights signs that a child has been trafficked. It also points to the roles of various agencies and how professionals can help protect children who may have been trafficked.
"Child trafficking is an appalling crime and nothing less than modern day slavery where victims are coerced, deceived or forced into the control of others who seek to profit from their exploitation and suffering," Thomas said.
"As more cases of child trafficking come to light, it is essential that all professionals who come into contact with children who may have been trafficked are fully aware of the background to this activity and know what procedures to follow to safeguard trafficked children."
She added that social services should work with professionals across education, immigration, health and law enforcement to "develop an awareness and ability to identify trafficked children".
Children's minister Jane Hutt said: "The Welsh assembly government is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
"Child trafficking is a horrific crime and the guidance published today will play a key role in raising awareness of trafficking, its impact and the procedures practitioners need to follow to protect the welfare of suspected trafficked children."
NSPCC Wales welcomed the consultation, with director Greta Thomas saying: "We look forward to working with the Welsh assembly government around this issue and hope that the final guidance will address the wider measures needed to support and assist the special needs of child victims of trafficking."
