Walsall’s young people at risk of sexual exploitation panel (YPSE), is a sub group of the Safeguarding Board with reporting mechanisms in place to ensure effective and regular feedback and communication.
It was established following recommendations in Working Together (1999), and later supplementary guidance 'Safeguarding Children Involved in Prostitution' (2000).
This charged local authorities with the responsibility of taking a multi agency approach to change the focus of young people at risk of exploitation from criminals to victims of sexual abuse. Walsall’s response to this was a multi agency partnership, chaired by Social Care and with representatives from Child Protection, Health, Police, Youth Offending Service, Connexions, Education Welfare, GU medicine, Mens Sexual Health and those from voluntary agencies.
The Jigsaw Project, (whom there is a Service Level Agreement with), who undertakes risk assessments and direct pieces of work and drug & alcohol services (T3) where, it is hoped that, Housing and the Youth Service will be involved over the coming months.
The panel was evaluated in early 2006 by external researchers and an action plan has been formulated to address shortfalls/further improved practices with, recommendations that have been identified, currently being implemented.
As a multi agency group panel meeting monthly – 6 weekly, the focus of the meeting is to:
Additionally, should there be referrals “In between panels”, emergency meetings will be called when appropriate. There has recently been increased contact with the Police in respect of coercers/abusers with a working document being produced in light of ongoing operation. This protocol has considered how we may challenge these adults, even without allegations/statements being directly made by young people and how the Police, statutory and voluntary agencies will work together in the future.
The work of the Jigsaw Project has been instrumental in this and the commitment shown to supporting this is recognised and acknowledged by the panel. YPSE takes an active role in providing training to partner safeguarding members and associated agencies. Worthy of note is ‘Sex, Lies and Love’ which is a joint project between Youth Offending Service, Jigsaw and Walsall Youth Arts funded in part by Social Care.
This project has worked directly with groups of young women using multi-media techniques to highlight issues of exploitation and identify grooming processes. Associated concerns of drug/alcohol misuse are covered within the project. Professional training will also be provided by the ‘Sex, Lies and Love’ team. Training later in the year will be provided by panel members.
The whole issue of training/direct work is to be considered over the coming months with a “Menu” of options planned in response to young people at risk of exploitation. Referrals are made via the Chair or Child Protection Lead Nurse or Health. Where Jigsaw receive direct referrals these are discussed with Social Care and Health to determine whether statutory involvement is required. The panel runs alongside the Child Protection Conference process and on occasion, a recommendation has been made to refer to conference where it is felt that risks cannot be managed without this.
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