Contextual Safeguarding in Merton Melissa Ireland Contextual Engagement Manager

The Library Project (pre-funding) Background: Different reports were received from participation, CSE workers and ASB team in relation to young people using the library space Other contexts impacting on referrals included football provider being shutdown due to knife related incident, winter approaching (YP wanting somewhere warm), free WIFI, Art space set up in library asking for YP to participate Initial single agency responses were developed based on referrals being received

The Shift to Contextual Thinking CSE Operational Manager identified the library as location of concern based on CSE reports and peer group connections. CSE manager called for a multi-agency meeting including Library Manager, Community Police, ASB, Participation, local voluntary provider, Troubled Families team staff and commissioned services Agreed plan of work for Pop-Up Youth Club, using a worker from each service to support running This project was based on the same staffing capacity as usual, no additional funding or support, therefore creative thinking around how to adjust and use services in the area

Outcomes 100% reduction in ASB Drug dealing that did continue were adults and fed back to ASB and police Reduction of inappropriate behaviours in the library Intelligence around activity and links. YP were supported in knowing what was available to them in the community Library staff became more informed and confident at engaging YP and therefore created a safe space Transition back to existing programs running in the area Practice example leading to successful bid for CS scale-up project and example for EIYF fund

The Impact of Funding Ability to recruit team with specific focus on understanding contextual issues and impact on young people Ability of early identification of young people, hot spots or trending concerns in schools or neighbourhood Capacity to undertake Peer-group mapping and safety mapping Design out crime reports have been completed on neighbourhood/location of concerns Developing forms and assessments for social care recording systems Working with schools around school assessments and reviews Ability to embed Contextual Safeguarding approach and thinking across the Child Protection System and partner agencies

New Projects Location Assessment Library Project 2.0 Identification of location of concern in relation to SYV, gang activity, drug dealing and peer grooming Pop-up Youth Club over summer Residents sessions to discuss issues affecting young people in their local area Design out crime report completed regarding physical safety Increased partnership working and understanding of impact on young people Context conference Library Project 2.0 Identification of issues affecting young people and the community in the library Fracture between community and young people Development of project to increase guardianship capacity in the area, through the voice of the young person Reduction in issues between young people and residents in the area Link in with local comm. centre, youth centre and secondary school

Impact on Young People Effective safety mapping for young people Ability to map peer associations to develop more effective safety planning Greater understanding of impact of peer network and locations of concerned Increase feelings of safety and effective response

Implications to be mindful of Resources Long-term sustainability Partnership working The impact of short-term funding arrangements