Street Safe 29 June 2011 BASW Child Sexual Abuse Conference

Introduction Street Safe – June 2011 Context of service Focus on the experience of young person Professional engagement The future and challenges ahead

Context The Children’s Society so far Service developed from Lancashire Young Runaways Project Recognised nationally for its practice 2010/11: 575 new cases (25% frequent missing from home) Street Safe – June 2011

Street Safe Street Safe – June 2011 The Children’s Society in Lancashire Established in 2003 – changed focus in 2007 Strong partnership focus Take account of Lancashire’s geography Lancashire’s six police divisions: Breakthrough, Cherish, Deter, Freedom

Service Model Street Safe – June customised direct support Schools and groupwork Awareness-raising and training for professionals, parents/carers and general public

Intensive Support Worker The role is as follows: Engage and agree to undertake direct work. Undertake direct 1:1 work. Signpost and support young people to relevant services. Act as advocate ensuring views are shared, listened to and acted upon. Work with other colleagues to plan appropriate interventions, being mindful of the views of the young person they are working with. Support police investigations where appropriate. Offer advice and guidance to colleagues. Street Safe – June 2011

Definition A young person’s view: ‘Someone taking advantage of you sexually, for their own benefit. Through threats, bribes, violence, humiliation, or by telling you that they love you, they will have the power to get you to do sexual things for their own, or other people’s benefit or enjoyment.’ Ref: New Horizons Group 2008 Street Safe – June 2011

Young person’s experience (1) Street Safe – June 2011 Gemma – aged 15 Seeking part-time work Relationship with parents Befriended by owner Access to drugs

Young person’s experience (2) Romeo & Juliet The rule of optimism ‘Good’ drugs ‘Nobody tells me anything’ Help of others Outcome Street Safe – June 2011

Models of exploitation 1. Inappropriate relationships: 2. ‘Boyfriend’ model of exploitation 3. Organised network of sexual exploitation or trafficking Street Safe – June 2011

Statistics In 2010/11: 575 new cases 25% frequently missing from home (+40%) 90% lived with own family 254 offenders being investigated 116 arrests plus 90 sentenced under Section 2 80% white British; 16% BME Street Safe – June 2011

Ethos and Values Honesty Holistic approach Independence Persistence Street Safe – June 2011

Challenges and Opportunities Street Safe – June 2011 Young person’s perspective Personalities matter Collaborative working Lancashire Again Crime Partnership – Comic Relief and Children in Need Develop work with boys and young men

Young person’s perspective Street Safe – June 2011 “When you are 14 and decide you’re gay you can’t go and get a boyfriend in school. If they find out, they bully you and beat you up. That’s why your only choice is to go with older men.” (14 year old)

Discussion points Attitudinal change Diversity of experiences of young people Links to running away and other issues Lack of contact between young people and agencies Street Safe – June 2011

The future Safe Choices Lobbying and advocacy DfE developing an action plan over the summer. The Office for Children’s Commissioner are setting up a 2 year inquiry on CSE (Sept). CEOP thematic assessment on CSE in June. Street Safe – June 2011

In summary People, places and procedures Street Safe – June 2011