To consider the report of the Portfolio Holder for Young People and Culture.
Minutes:
Documents:
· Report of the Portfolio Holder
Discussion:
· A need to work in a more modern way had been identified and the policy required updating to reflect recent research and development
· Consultation had taken place with partners
· A dedicated manager was in place to ensure consistency of practice and to monitor trends but there was expertise in this area across the service
· There were no resource or legal implications
· A number of agencies were involved including Police, Health, Education, Youth Service, and the third sector
· MACE (Multi agency child exploitation) strategy meetings were held and were showing great success in making communities safer. Strong operational management was in place and the meetings ensured that any structural barriers were removed.
· It was noted that the child’s voice was paramount. However, a child’s knowledge of what they may be consenting too should also be considered.
· Attention was also drawn to perpetrators also being victims and that they may be children themselves and in need of support. It was the role of social care to meet care and support needs – the Health Board and Social Care may also provide support identified through criminal and justice processes.
· The Head of Service acknowledged that this was a very complex area, but young people must be supported throughout the process including, if necessary, criminal proceedings. The school ambassador programme should have launched in March but has been delayed due to the pandemic.
· The Committee asked when the strategy was going to Cabinet and how it would be evaluated. Cabinet would consider the strategy on 10 November. MACE meetings were thought to be the most efficient way to monitor effectiveness. A self-evaluation was being developed which would include feedback from children. Regional data gathering will also be undertaken.
· MACE feeds into the Powys Local Operational Group which is overseen by the Regional Safeguarding Board. An ambitious work programme has been set.
· The pandemic has had an effect on spaces and places of concern, such as parks, bus terminals, shopping centres etc, with a decrease in incidents. However, there is concern that other cases may have been missed due to lower levels of public activity.
· Virtual contact with young people continues – in many cases they are more comfortable with digital communication. Social distancing is having an impact on gaining trust and this will have had an effect.
· Children are likely to phone Childline or disclose issues to peers which is why the School ambassador programme is key.
· A number of community practice events have been well attended to increase awareness. Culturally a wide understanding of the issues is needed.
· Members were concerned that with a number of agencies involved, a child may be missed. All the agencies involved have a good understanding and are signed up to the process. There is confidence that children get the support they need. There is more work to do in identifying children that services are not aware of.
· Children’s Services and the Police are joint lead authorities
· A question was raised regarding support for new or young staff. Comments were made that the safeguarding training was not robust enough. Officers would welcome a greater involvement by Education staff in safeguarding training.
· Children’s Services will continue to build relationships with younger people and support both their physical and mental health. It is the role of the Police to disrupt any exploitation.
· Closer liaison with English border authorities and regulated providers in Powys is needed
Outcomes:
· The Committee support the proposed Child Exploitation Strategy
Supporting documents: