The report of the Interim Strategic Director, Children’s Services (Document “AA”) provides an update to the report presented to the Bradford West Area Committee on the 28^th February 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.

(Mark Griffin – 01274 434361)

Resolved –

That the update report be noted.

LEAD: Interim Strategic Director, Children’s Services

The report of the Interim Strategic Director, Children’s Services (Document “AA”) provided an update to the report presented to the Bradford West Area Committee on the 28 February 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 Bradford Safeguarding Children Board Manager was joined by the Assistant Director, Performance, Commissioning and Partnerships and with the invitation of the Chair introduced the report.

A question and answer session ensued:

·         A local community centre in the Clayton and the Fairweather Green Ward hosted a modern day awareness course with the Youth Service on CSE. This had a good turnout. However if educational training was delivered for a particular child age bracket , and if some children of the same age group were not as intelligent as their peers, therefore unable to process the information being delivered, what would be the next course of action?

o   Children were assessed with risk management factors and the Youth Service carried out an amazing task of targeting vulnerable children. Of course, there were wider issues and a wider area of vulnerability was assessed. A great deal of leaflets containing vast amount of information was circulated for education purposes;

·         In terms of a education material, there was a specific universal information to assist with vulnerability?

o   There was specific work tailored for the purpose of assisting those that were vulnerable;

·         How was the issue being tackled in regards to parents who refused to have their children be taught on the area of CSE?

o   At point of feedback, it was highlighted that children who attended classes when CSE was being addressed, the same children during the evening conversed with their parents on what they had learned at school. In addition, it was paramount that under the guidance of government, under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. To work together with other agencies to ensure adequate arrangements within schools to identify, assess, and support those children who may be suffering harm; and,

·         What was the early prevention work undertaken for children from the ages of 14 to 15?

o   There was face to face support by the voluntary sector from the morning running through to the late afternoon.

The Committee concluded by highlighting that more emphasis had to be put on working jointly with community centres due to the high number of residents attended on a weekly basis.

Resolved –

That the update report be noted.

LEAD: Interim Strategic Director, Children’s Services