The Committee will receive an update

30.1    The meeting received a presentation from the Service Specialist – Safeguarding and Review (copy attached to signed minutes) which provided an update on work being done in Shropshire to raise awareness of and to prevent child sexual exploitation (CSE).

30.2    A Member expressed concern that 7 out of the 20 cases considered were or became looked after children (LAC).  The Service Specialist explained that the majority of the young people concerned became LAC as a result of concerns raised and that only one had been a LAC prior to the concerns being raised.

30.3    A Member commended the fact that the number of referrals by schools had increased and asked what training was provided for teachers and governors. The Head of Education Improvement and Efficiency informed the meeting that all schools had to have a child protection lead and that they received full training on CSE.  It was noted that schools could also buy in training for other teachers and governors.  A Member commented that she had received training as a governor and that it had been very worthwhile.  The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services commented that elected members had received safeguarding training as part of their induction training and that it may be an opportune time to repeat this training.  Members agreed and requested that the co-opted members of the committee also be invited to this training.

30.4    A Member commented that the opportunities for people to become involved in the recognition of CSE were encouraging but was concerned that some of the information was not available.  The Service Specialist commented that the Council should not be complacent regarding the need to continually raise awareness.  The Director of Children’s Services commented on the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to raise awareness.  She drew attention to the Shropshire Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB) website that contained a lot of useful information on this subject. It was noted that a media campaign was planned.

30.5    A Member suggested that Parish and Town Councils could be used to raise awareness and that training could be offered through the SALC training programme.  The Portfolio Holder commented that she felt that this would be a good way of raising awareness and that she would take this forward. It was also agreed to undertake Member briefings

30.6    A Member asked what work was being done to raise awareness within other youth and sporting groups.  The Director of Children’s Services stated that groups affiliated to the Shropshire Youth Association received training and guidance, and that sporting clubs were usually affiliated to county or national associations with clear safeguarding policies.

30.7    A Member commented that there were a number of out of county looked after children resident within the county and asked what provision was made for them.  The Director of Children’s Services responded that, whilst responsibility for these children remained with the home authority, Shropshire Council had a duty of care towards them and was working closely with the private care providers to agree processes and procedures around recognising the risks.

30.8    A Member asked whether the Council was advised when the police were called due to LAC absconding.  The Service Specialist advised that that there was a protocol that all authorities had signed up to and that in Shropshire this information was passed on by the police co-ordinator.

30.9    A Member asked whether the risk assessments carried out were robust.  The Service Specialist advised that they had been recently reviewed and were up to date.

30.10  The Chair thanked the Service Specialist for his presentation.