A specialist team of social workers will form a rapid response unit in an effort to tackle child protection issues during the London 2012 Olympics.

The team will be on hand to provide help and support to young athletes, as well as any children who have been trafficked into the city during the games. The team will be based at the Olympic Village and any children, adults or agencies requiring support will be able to speak to a qualified social worker 24/7.

Philip Ishola, a member of the Olympic subcommittee for the London Safeguarding Children Board, told Community Care that there were a number of elements making up their strategy.

"Firstly there will be quite a few young athletes and we want them to know who to contact if they have concerns. The second is communication; that's about providing information to all athletes and adults that this service is available. The last is the increase in trafficking that often accompanies these kinds of event."

Whilst such work will require social workers with specialist skills, Mr Ishola revealed London already has some social workers that are experts at dealing with child trafficking. Despite this, he is keen for such training to given to social workers nationwide.

"It's about ensuring a legacy comes out of this as well. If we can increase these kind of skills among social workers, not just in London but across the country, then that's very exciting," he added.

Final plans for the quick response team are in development. It is yet to be confirmed how many social workers will be assigned to the project.