Agenda item

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) had been established as an absolute priority for SBC, SCST and Thames Valley Police. Since the establishment of SCST, a number of key strategic and operational areas had seen progress.

Firstly, a multi-agency CSE team had been set up and was modelled on the Kingfisher Team operating in Oxfordshire. In addition, the team dealing with CSE and missing children would be revised; this had been agreed by the CSE Sub Group and would be signed off in March 2016. Finally, resources had been identified for this work (a manager and 2 dedicated social workers plus a separate CSE Co-ordinator). This project team would be led by a Thames Valley Police representative and also include members from health and education. Return home interviews were now being undertaken and the intelligence gained shared with police; additional training on information sharing was being held to support this.

The Panel raised the following issues in discussion:

·  Intensive research into CSE and related areas was being undertaken in order to identify vulnerable children. Panels also had a variety of mechanisms for raising cases as they emerged.

·  Schools were also identifying potential CSE, whilst Neighbourhood Teams were being trained to recognise warning signs of CSE when accessing properties.

·  SCST was working with the Young People’s Service to tackle CSE, and also adopting a varied approach as appropriate when dealing with agencies.

·  The Safer Slough Partnership had also discussed CSE and domestic violence in the context.

·  Community Safety Teams were working on cases of long term grooming, with targeted family support also offered directly to affected parents.

·  Alternative schooling was an area of national weakness for local authorities, with the regulation of tutors proving problematic. SCST was working with other agencies to map responsibilities for the matter.

·  A new initiative (CSE Awareness Champions) had been established amongst social workers.

·  Members wished to record their support for the work being undertaken and the partnership approach being used to secure progress.

Resolved: that the update be noted.