The Director of Children’s Services addressed the Committee explaining that following the shocking findings of the Jay Report in Rotherham it was important that all local authorities repeatedly revisit the arrangements they had in place to address Child Sexual Exploitation. The report was being presented in many different forums in the council, including the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Children’s Partnership Board to ensure that all were aware of the importance of the subject and could hold officers effectively to account.

The Head of Children’s Social Care, informed the Committee that the remit of the Jay Report covered the period 1997- 2013 and it was believed that during this period 1400 children and young people had been sexually exploited in Rotherham.  He explained that in 2008 the National Working Group for Sexually Exploited  Children and Young People  developed a definition (2.2.2 of the report), which was commonly used in government guidance and policy.

The findings of the Jay Report and failings across agencies and political processes were summarised. Members were encouraged to read the Jay Report if they had not already done so. The need for child sexual exploitation to be tackled across all the functions of the Council was stressed and steps already taken in relation to licencing and taxi cab operators. 

Members were notified that the Council was working in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Council and Essex County Council as part of the SET (Southend, Essex and Thurrock) arrangements to develop strategies to   address child sexual exploitation and support the needs of children not only within Thurrock but across Greater Essex.

It was explained that officers were exploring different ways to engage with communities to raise the awareness of sexual exploitation and to assist them in identify the signs. Within this the need to work with all communities was stressed and to avoid the dangers identified in Rotherham of failing to work effectively in relation to culture and diversity.  

It was queried by the Committee as to how the Council was working with schools and academies in general to tackle child sexual exploitation and specifically to support children who had changed schools or were missing school.

Members were informed that in relation to any child or young person that the Council was aware that there is a potential risk of child sexual exploitation, that officers would be in contact with the school as part of safeguarding procedures.  It was also advised that officers were working with schools and academies to assist them in identifying the potential signs of child sexual exploitation and referring to Children’s Social Care. 

Specifically in relation to children and young people who are missing from home, care or education, Members were advised that revised processes had been and were being put in place to ensure that this group of children could be identified, risk assessed and risk managed. 

Members stressed, based on their reading of the Jay report, their concerns regarding children who are disengaged and underachieving within education and how this heightens the potential risk of sexual exploitation.  Officers agreed with Members concerns and advised that training and risk assessment tools continue to be rolled out across Children’s Social Care and partner agencies, which highlight the risks associated with disengagement. 

Following discussions, it was enquired as to if secondary schools and academies were providing sexual awareness to pupils and how was the Council engaging with schools to provide support. Officers explained that such information would have to be included within the policies of the schools and academies.

Members debated the complexities of providing appropriate sex education and at what ages, while being mindful of the risks of sexual exploitation. The need for those providing sexual education and health advice, to provide age appropriate services, while working across agencies to tackle exploitation was highlighted. 

It was further acknowledged that the provision of sex education alone was not enough and that vulnerable young people needed to be assisted in recognising exploitation and being able to make appropriate choices regarding online safety and other aspects of their lives.  Officers reported that the Council continues to work with schools, partner agencies, parents and young people to raise awareness regarding Internet Safety and the potential for children and young people to be groomed and sexually exploited online. Officers cited the Walk Online Roadshows which reached 5000 pupils and briefings rolled out to Head Teachers, as models of good practice which form part of the programme of work to raise awareness and building resilience in children about child sexual exploitation. 

Members noted that the report mentioned whistle blowing and enquired as to how that it worked. Officers advised of the need for all agencies to have clear whistle blowing procedures and that the Local Safeguarding Children Board website had a page which gave advice on what to do if anyone had any concerns regarding the welfare of children and young people.

Members asked for clarification regarding the case audits within the CSE Action Plan and Officers confirmed the progression of a review / audits of all current cases and going back over a 5 year period (in conjunction with Southend-on-Sea Council and Essex Council) where potential concerns regarding child sexual exploitation are identified. The aim of the audits it was explained by Officers is to ensure that children and young people are safe and to ensure appropriate standards of practice.   

RESOLVED:

1.         That the overview and scrutiny committee to note the contents of the report.

2.         To recall the action plan to future O&S meetings for updates on implementation and to scrutinise the work in this area.