Agenda item

This report updates the Panel on the Council’s response to tackling Child Sexual Exploitation.

The Divisional Director for Children & Young People Specialist Services introduced this item to the Panel. He said that it was a very positive step for them to address this matter.

He explained that two different types and patterns of exploitation appear to be emerging. Firstly, there is considerable concern in regard to the organised exploitation of very vulnerable young people by sophisticated gangs, often linked to criminal behaviour and involving the illegal supply of and distribution of drugs, alcohol and prostitution. He added that the investigations in Rochdale, Rotherham and Oxford were characterised by clear links to these types of criminal activity.

He said that the second type of concern is linked much more to peer-to peer exploitation and is often (although not exclusively) characterised by issues of e-safety, bullying and peer pressure and levels of intimidation for (mostly, but not exclusively) young women to engage in sexual acts by young men or groups of young men.

He informed them that the B&NES LSCB Child Sexual Exploitation Strategy was agreed in September 2014. He added that the strategy was launched earlier this month with an awareness raising event and was well attended by a large number of agencies. He said that as well as raising the awareness of the strategy with partners the event was utilised to recruit volunteers for the “Virtual” CSE team - the creation of a virtual team of specially trained staff from a variety of professions was a key element of how we wish to reduce the risks to young people and is a key element of the strategy document.

He stated that all CSE cases where there is a need to allocate a virtual team member will come to the Risk Management Panel so that the case can be matched with a virtual team member. He added that other training will also be continued to be delivered through the LSCB to all partners in terms of raising awareness across all professions and settings, as well as with the Council Licencing Team who monitor taxi cab firms and fast food outlets. He explained that both of these types of business were central to the recruitment of, and movement of vulnerable young women in the Rochdale, Oxford and Rotherham investigations.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if he was confident that all children at risk had been identified.

The Divisional Director for Children & Young People Specialist Services replied that he was not and that he expected the current figure to rise as the service is developed.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if peer-to peer exploitation would be addressed through schools.

The Divisional Director for Children & Young People Specialist Services replied that the LSCB training will be provided to schools.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People, Strategy and Commissioning added that regular safeguarding meetings are held with all schools and academies.

Edward Joseph asked if 27 young people were currently deemed to be at risk, what the figures were for previous years.

The Divisional Director for Children & Young People Specialist Services replied that there 13 identified in 2013 and 9 identified in 2012.

Councillor Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst when are the parents or carers informed.

The Divisional Director for Children & Young People Specialist Services replied that the emphasis on this work is engaging with the young person.

Councillor Nicholas Coombes asked how involved are the Police.

The Divisional Director for Children & Young People Specialist Services replied that their involvement is vital as it is such a large issue. He added that they sit on the Risk Management Panel.

The Chair thanked him on behalf of the Panel for producing this report.