The Interim Strategic Director Children’s Services will submit a report (Document “T”) which provides an update to the report presented to the Bradford South Area Committee on the 15th March 2018 regarding the issue of child sexual exploitation (CSE). It sets out the arrangements that have been put in place, and which continue to develop, to safeguard children from CSE.

Recommended –

That the update report be noted.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services

(Mark Griffin - 01274 434361)

Resolved –

That the report be welcomed and noted and the work done by the different agencies, including the Youth Service to tackle Child Sexual Exploitation be commended.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services

ACTION: Interim Strategic Director Children’s Services

(Mark Griffin – 01274 434361)

The Interim Strategic Director Children’s Services submitted a report (Document “T”) which provided an update to the report presented to the Bradford South Area Committee on the 15th March 2018 regarding the issue of child sexual exploitation (CSE). It set out the arrangements that had been put in place, and which continue to develop, to safeguard children from CSE.

The Manager of the Safeguarding Board and the Youth Service Practitioner for the Bradford South Area were present at the meeting to give an overview of the activities being undertaken in the Bradford South area to raise awareness and tackle the issue of CSE.  The work done by the Youth Service was particularly highlighted and the support offered by Youth workers, and that partnership working was key in addressing the issues.

The increase in the number of CSE cases reported was alluded to with increasing reporting linked to increase awareness and vigilance around the issue.  The complexity around vulnerability was highlighted, as was early intervention and prevention as key factors.

Within the youth service area issues around simplifying the referral system and providing safe places were being looked at.

During the discussion Members welcomed the plethora of work being done around tackling CSE and in particular the success of the Build a Girl project in Tong had made a huge difference in building confidence.

In response to a question on the complexity of the cases being referred, it was explained that specialist police officers worked with children at risk from CSE as well as work undertaken by Barnardos, and therefore there was a process in place to manage the risk.

In relation to a question on what work was being done to raise awareness of the issue amongst the new emerging communities it was explained specific engagement work was being undertaken in those communities.  

Resolved –

That the report be welcomed and noted and the work done by the different agencies, including the Youth Service to tackle Child Sexual Exploitation be commended.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services

ACTION: Interim Strategic Director Children’s Services