Scrutiny of arrangements to tackle child exploitation in Shropshire, following recent presentations to the committee.

Contact: Sonya Miller - 01743 254264

Report to follow

Sonya Miller, Assistant Director for Children’s Social Care and Safeguarding, introduced the item and was joined by colleagues from various teams in Shropshire Council, West Mercia Police, NHS Midlands Partnership and West Mercia Youth Justice Service. Members were reminded that an in-depth presentation was given at the last meeting where it was requested that a summary report be brought back to committee, identifying what action partners have taken in response to the recommendations from the Telford Enquiry.

TREES (Together Reducing & Ending Exploitation in Shropshire) was confirmed as the formal pathway for reporting concerns with regards to child exploitation. An agreed process was in place which included triage, risk assessments and data sharing with members of the partnership to provide support on a case by case basis. Concerns can also be raised through Crimestoppers, Safer Neighbourhood Teams and 101. It was felt that it was important to raise awareness of these organisations to promote the reporting of concerns and protecting vulnerable young people.

Members queried the number of exploited children who were not currently in education and were advised that this was a high percentage. Members noted that a piece of work was being carried out by the Education team to reduce the number of permanent exclusions and to track any children currently out of education as they were deemed to be at a higher risk of exploitation.

Members were advised of the various services on offer to support children, including the TMBSS referral unit, Bright Stars Boxing, diversionary pathways through the Youth Justice Service and drug and alcohol advisors.

It was noted that there was a gap in the provision of psychological and emotional support, resulting in a waiting list for assessments. Members felt that this should be a priority to address this gap and a request was made for the number of people currently on a waiting list.

Members were advised that the Criminal Exploitation Panel meet once a month to discuss new referrals and intelligence and to identify areas of concerns such as hot spots.

RECOMMENDED:

That Members agreed the following recommendations as set out in the report and requested that waiting times for children seeking psychological and emotional support are provided as soon as possible:

·       Implementation of a pathway for addressing the trauma experienced as a result of exploitation, this would need to be in collaboration with the ICS. Aim is to ensure direct access from Together Reducing & Ending Exploitation in Shropshire (TREES) to specialist trauma support relating to exploitation.

·       Implementation of transition pathway for young people who continue to be exploited at the point of turning 18 years old. Working with Adult Services in Health and Social Care, the voluntary sector and the police.

·       A safeguarding report is due to be published which will include the voice of the child, learning needs to be taken from the review and recommendations implemented as appropriate.

·       Implementation of a 5 year partnership strategy re: exploitation. There needs to be a continued commitment to the response to exploitation across the partnership; including the funding of staff and direct support to young people – so that the TREES Team delivers a truly multi-disciplinary response to the needs of children and young people. Working with Education Access to ensure that schools can be supported to keep children in school and avoid permanent exclusion.

·       Further community awareness events following the success of the events held in Shifnal, Oswestry and more recently Ellesmere.