Pan-London Child Sexual Exploitation Operating Protocol

Nasima Patel NSPCC Executive Director of Services For Children and Families on behalf of CSE multi-agency working group

Objectives of this presentation The Pan London protocol Definitions Look at action if concerns are identified What should other agencies be doing? S.A.F.E.G.U.A.R.D. mnemonic Be confident in your practice

Pan London CSE protocol This is the new improved working arrangement for all c/yp that are identified as being sexually exploited (CSE) or at risk of CSE across London. To be used by all professionals.

Governance Metropolitan Police have adopted it - Pilots in two areas and other areas working to it. Consultation with expected sign off by Dec 2013 by Pan London LSCB Incorporated into revamped London LSCB guidance and procedures. It will be THE multi-agency framework

Purpose of the Protocol Clarify roles and responsibilities Ensure common understanding of CSE Clarify exact referral routes Advice on meeting and info-sharing structure. Detail role of MASH MASH- Multi agency Safeguarding Hub

Why a new protocol Under identification is of real concern. Ensure C&YP get the safeguarding response they need Better Working Together arrangements To build on current good practice To support Met Police new pathways

The Key Principles Sexually exploited children should be treated as victims Recognition is critical Overlaps with other vulnerabilities Coercion, enticement, manipulation or desperation.  Range of behaviors and offences   Coordination and leadership are key

Key principles Distinguishing challenge between own choices and the sexual activities they are coerced into Law enforcement must direct resources against the coercers and sex abusers  Sexually exploited children are children in need of services under the Children Act 1989 and 2004 They are also in need of immediate protection A Multi-agency network or planning meeting/discussion/process is central

The Definition Sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where the young person (or third person/s) receive ‘something’ (eg, food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) as a result of them performing, and/or another or others performing on them, sexual activities. Sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where the young person (or third person/s) receive ‘something’ (eg, food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) as a result of them performing, and/or another or others performing on them, sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition; for example being persuaded to post images on the internet/mobile phones without immediate payment or gain. Violence, coercion and intimidation are common. Involvement in exploitative relationships is characterised by the child’s or young person’s limited availability of choice as a result of their social, economic or emotional vulnerability. A common feature of CSE is that the child or young person does not recognise the coercive nature of the relationship and does not see themselves as a victim of exploitation (Association of Chief Police Officers CSE Report - 2013).

The Definition Continued Child sexual exploitation can occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition; for example being persuaded to post images on the internet/mobile phones without immediate payment or gain. Violence, coercion and intimidation are common. Involvement in exploitative relationships is characterised by the child’s or young person’s limited availability of choice as a result of their social, economic or emotional vulnerability. Sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where the young person (or third person/s) receive ‘something’ (eg, food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) as a result of them performing, and/or another or others performing on them, sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition; for example being persuaded to post images on the internet/mobile phones without immediate payment or gain. Violence, coercion and intimidation are common. Involvement in exploitative relationships is characterised by the child’s or young person’s limited availability of choice as a result of their social, economic or emotional vulnerability. A common feature of CSE is that the child or young person does not recognise the coercive nature of the relationship and does not see themselves as a victim of exploitation (Association of Chief Police Officers CSE Report - 2013).

The Definition Continued A common feature of CSE is that the child or young person does not recognise the coercive nature of the relationship and does not see themselves as a victim of exploitation (Association of Chief Police Officers CSE Report – 2013) Sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where the young person (or third person/s) receive ‘something’ (eg, food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) as a result of them performing, and/or another or others performing on them, sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition; for example being persuaded to post images on the internet/mobile phones without immediate payment or gain. Violence, coercion and intimidation are common. Involvement in exploitative relationships is characterised by the child’s or young person’s limited availability of choice as a result of their social, economic or emotional vulnerability. A common feature of CSE is that the child or young person does not recognise the coercive nature of the relationship and does not see themselves as a victim of exploitation (Association of Chief Police Officers CSE Report - 2013).

CSE can affect many young people, vulnerability is the most clear identifying factor Push Pull Neglect Disruption Violence Sexual abuse Substance misuse (parents) Mental health (parents) Gang association Conflict Over strict Forced marriage Care system School not working Loss and bereavement Street life – dissociation from family and education ‘Safety’ of adults Gang activity Peers already involved Economic Criminal activity Blackmail

SAFEGUARD MNEMOIC S - exual health and behaviour concerns A - bsent from school or repeatedly running away F - amilial abuse and/or problems at home E - motional and physical condition G - angs, older age groups and involvement in crime U - se of technology and sexual bullying A - lcohol and drug misuse R - eceipt of unexplained gifts or money D - istrust of authority figures SAFEGUARD MNEMOIC- APP will be coming your way

There are many models of CSE, more will emerge, hybrid dynamic nature of these is key to understanding young people’s experience Child Sexual exploitation Gangs & groups Older ‘boyfriend’ Sexual Bullying Familial Opportunistic Online Trafficked

Shared Risk Assessment Category 1: At Risk Indicators suggesting risk but often no clear ‘evidence’, just concern. Category 2: Risk is evident Evidence of targeting, concern about coercion, control. Indicators are clearer C/YP may not accept risk and there may be lack of professional curiosity. Indicators maybe missing,. Secretive, acquistion, being associated with peers who are involved, subject to rumours etc . Welfare support., a CAF, monitoring, vigilance, good educative input would be useful. Cat 2 – yp maybe going missing more frequently. Maybe resistring support , getting involved with risk taking and concerning peers/adults . Evidence a child or young person is being targeted for opportunistic abuse through the exchange of sex for drugs, perceived affection, sense of belonging, accommodation (overnight stays), money and goods etc. The likelihood of coercions and control is significant. Cat 3

Shared Risk Assessment Category 3 A child or young person whose sexual exploitation is habitual, often self denied and where coercion/ control is implicit

Referral pathways (non-police) Ensure that as much detail as possible is gathered, including what warning signs are identified The normal Social Care referral pathways should be followed A risk assessment will be made by Social Care as to which category (London Procedures) Each agency that has CSE concerns about a child in their care should ensure that as much detail as possible is gathered, including what warning signs are identified. The normal Social Care referral pathways should be followed – to contact the front door which in London is or will be MASH or the allocated Social Worker if there is one. A risk assessment will be made by Social Care as to which category (London Procedures) the case falls into and identify the appropriate interventions required and which police team will deal with it. The higher the risk , the specialist the response from the police, all decisions should be made within multi-agency context and communicated.

Referral Pathways (non-police) Allocated Social Worker will risk assess Allocated Social Worker will let MASH know If no Social Worker, then MASH will pick, gather information from all agencies, risk assess and progress. Feedback should be given and all decisions should be multi-agency If Social worker is allocated, then please send to Social worker. Social Worker will risk assess and convene a Multi Agency meeting or a section 47 investigation or similar. Social Worker will let MASH (police side) know. If no Social Worker, then MASH will pick, gather information from all agencies, risk assess and progress. Feedback should be given and all decisions should be multi-agency

Referral pathways – Police Officer conducts risk assessment R.A.R.A ( Remove, avoid, reduce and accept) High risk will go to sexual exploitation police team If YP is low risk, will make CRIS report and forward to MASH for follow up All CSE YP will have a CRIS report with CSE flag and a Merlin report Combined with a focus on disruption, intelligence and contact with key agencies and partners Officer conducts risk assessment based on CSE warning signs, history, checks and circumstances. If yp is high risk officer conducts initial investigation, secure evidence and acts accordingly with R.A.R.A ( Remove, avoid, reduce and accept) High risk will go to sexual exploitation police team If yp is low risk, will make CRIS report and forward to MASH for follow up. All cse yp coming to the attention of the police will have a CRIS report with CSE flag and a Merlin report. All subject to police follow up. Combined with a focus on disruption, intelligence and contact with key agencies and partners

Multi-Agency Panels (MAP), Convened by the Lead Agency, often Children’s Services, as specified by the London Child Protection Procedures. This is for casework planning Cross borough meetings for those children that are placed out of borough should also be established where required The CSE lead in Children’s Services feeds trends into the Multi Agency Sexual Exploitation meeting. (MASE) Convened by the Lead Agency, often Children’s Services, as specified by the London Child Protection Procedures. This is for casework planning. The panel will also include those professionals who are working with the individual victims to coordinate and deliver a child in need or child protection plan. The panel will manage identified cases of CSE and share all relevant information to achieve a positive outcome. Cross borough meetings for those children that are placed out of borough should also be established where required. The CSE lead in Children’s Services should have an overview of these cases and feed trends into the Multi Agency Sexual Exploitation meeting. (MASE)

Multi-Agency Sexual Exploitation Meeting (MASE) Each borough should establish a MASE meeting The MASE Meeting will co-ordinate the tactical responses This is the meting that links the individual/operational to the strategic for intelligence and planning. Each borough should establish a MASE meeting to specifically review all new cases and review activity against previously reported cases of CSE. The MASE Meeting will co-ordinate the tactical responses to provide a problem solving approach to those at risk. It will also identify any trends that may need diversionary interventions and address any ongoing/identified needs for victims. This is the meting that links the individual/operational to the strategic for intelligence and planning.

Multi-Agency Sexual Exploitation Meeting (MASE) Named SPOC’s from each agency are expected to attend these meetings Any intelligence should be fed through into the Police and LSCB by respective SPOCs Meeting will maintain detailed overview of CSE case, trends, prevalence and patterns. Linked to LSCB and Sexual exploitation Command Named SPOC’s from each agency are expected to attend these meetings, as well as any specialist providers- especially voluntary sector Any intelligence should be fed through into the Police and LSCB by respective SPOCs. Meeting will maintain detailed overview of CSE case, trends, prevalence and patterns. Meeting will be linked to LSCB and Sexual exploitation Command SPOC= Single Point of Contact /lead role

Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards Meeting (LSCB) Lead Agency - Children’s Services. The CSE lead (SPOC) for each agency will report to the Children’s Services member on the LSCB The LSCB should directly, or through a sub-group, establish a local strategy which includes a prevention strategy, measures for identifying outcomes for CSE and an agreed approach to obtain a data set of CSE cases across Children’s Services and other agencies. The CSE lead (SPOC) for each agency will report to the Children’s Services member on the LSCB or to the chair of the identified LSCB sub-group who oversee child sexual exploitation.

Early findings Lewisham and Camden Lewisham and Camden Training of oos of officers in CSE More involvement of police in multi-agency work. MASE meetings working. Improved coordination Enhanced understanding of peer issues More young people identified and receive a service. Still girls, not boys. First abduction notice. Different decisions about children Way to go

The beginning of real work The significant shift that is currently being made in CSE work is the shift from being a primarily a victim needs led response to a much more child protection response which includes support for victims, a priority to secure prosecutions using joint investigation approaches within a wider community safety agenda Multi-agency approaches and leadership at all levels from all agencies. Children and young people who become involved face huge risks to their physical, emotional and psychological health and well-being. They face immediate and long term difficulties. Adults who sexually exploit children are committing crimes, regardless of what victims say or think. Nothing is more important in than protecting vulnerable children and young people.

Thank You Nasima Patel NSPCC Executive Director of Services For Children and Families on behalf of CSE multi-agency working group