1. ‘Spotlighting Adolescence’ Serious Case Reviews

2. Housekeeping

3. Why are we ‘Spotlighting Adolescence? Teenagers aged 16 and 17 who live in England are more likely to be abused or neglected than any other age group, but are given the least protection. The Children’s Society 2015 Professionals sometimes struggle to work with challenging and difficult teenagers. Parents give more freedom to older children than younger ones. Teenagers are often viewed as independent & capable of looking after themselves, able to make their own choices and decisions. - This means: Professional intervention focuses on tackling problem behaviour, rather than recognising that they are children in need of protection.

4. Context LSCB’s Critical Incident Panel: The Critical Incident Panel (CIP) is responsible for undertaking and establishing the need for a Serious Case Review (SCR) and / or any other review needed further to analysis of cases presented. Serious Case Reviews: A serious case review (SCR) takes place after a child dies or is seriously injured and abuse or neglect is thought to be involved. It looks at lessons than can help prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

5. Patterns of concern for Adolescence: Risk taking behaviours Criminal Exploitation Sexual Exploitation Mental Ill Health – Suicidal thoughts Domestic Violence Insightful yet vulnerable – no growth into adulthood. Engaging with/avoiding multiple professionals.

6. Local Reviews Live Cases:

7. SERIOUS CASE REVIEW - 17 years old – Male – Child of contrasts Found hanged in his fathers house Described as academically able presentable young man, but also described as manipulative, physically and sexually aggressive and intimidating. Known as a loner. A number of associates and a high profile in the community – primarily because of his reputation for anti social behaviour. Change in behaviour started at 10 when his parents split. He witnessed significant Domestic Violence. JSH was violent towards his mother and latterly is alleged to have committed serious assaults involving physical and sexual assaults. At the time of his death he was ‘sofa surfing ‘and moving between his mothers and fathers house. Known to CAHMS, Changing Lives and YOS. Latter months of life the child was more chaotic and behaviours were escalating. The Case was escalated by YOS to DCS. A professionals meeting took place and a MAPPA meeting was planned – however the Child took his life before the meeting took place.

8. MAIN FINDINGS: Practice needs to improve in terms of young people who are involved in criminal and sexually harmful behaviours. Multi agency support needs to be strengthened with schools in dealing with violent and sexually harmful behaviours. There is a need to review professional understanding and to improve responses to children that have witnessed or experienced Domestic Abuse There is a need to improve the response to parents who are subject to violence by their children The current system of mental health triage does not meet the needs of children who experience severe behavioural difficulties

9. CHILD Jack In 2015 Jack presented to the Accident and Emergency Department at Whiston Hospital following an attempt to hang himself. He told staff that he had been planning to kill himself for two weeks prior to the incident. He had obtained a rope from a friend which he had hid in a field. At the time of the incident Jack was just over sixteen years of age; he was out of school pending a further placement being available and had had recent contact with CAMHS. He was known to CYPS but was not subject to Child Protection Planning.

10. Reflective Learning Review: In September 2011 Jack began to display behavioural difficulties at high school. School were supportive and tried to engage Jack and his family, however as his behaviour in school deteriorated he received a number of school exclusions. At this time Jack was subject to an Anti-Social Behaviour contract via the Neighbourhood Action Group. In September 2012 Jack was placed alternative Education placement. In June 2013 Jack’s mother spoke to the school police officer expressing concern that sometimes he did not come home at night, that he was stealing money and that he was taking drugs (cannabis). The police officer spoke to Jack who said that he did not want to go home because his father beats him. A referral was made to Social Care and a S47 investigation was initiated and the allegation of physical abuse was unsubstantiated. Early intervention support was offered and a Family Action Meeting was called but the parents did not engage.

11. CHILD Jack Jack was arrested for robbery at a local supermarket, he appears not to have been charged and no further action was taken by police. In September 2013 Jack began PC4 placement, however this broke down due to behavioural problems. In November further alternative education provision was found, again this broke down within a short time. In September Jack presented at Whiston Hospital whilst in police custody. In October Jack came to the attention of police again in relation to anti-social behaviour and was monitored by them. He was also referred to CAMHS. Following offences in October 2014 when concerns were expressed about his mental health, Jack was voluntarily sectioned under the Mental Health Act. On 16 th December a multi-agency meeting was held to discuss concerns about Jack’s mental health and well-being. YOS had offered voluntary involvement but Jack had declined this, he indicated that he would be prepared to work with YPDAAT.

12. CHILD Jack In February 2015 Jack became subject to a referral order with YOS. Jack continued to be subject to CIN in the early part of 2015 and CYPS records suggest that his family were engaging with services. YOS have been proactive in raising safeguarding concerns with senior managers. Jack is now subject to a Referral Order and has engaged with the service. CAMHS input continued with Jack and there is continuing liaison and joint agency working with YPDAAT.

13. SUMMARY OF LEARNING: Examples of good practice in professionals working together to safeguard Jack. Work with hard to engage parents. Need for increased knowledge and understanding of the range of services available to support Jack and their respective roles. Deeper and wider understanding needed of the role and remit of CAMHS. Professional curiosity – CSE

15. Common Factors across ALL cases: Witness to Domestic Abuse Familial Sexual Abuse Aggressive Sexual and Violent Behaviour Involvement with crime Mental Health Issues Known to services Sofa Surfing Chaotic lifestyle Chaotic family Lives Lack of or loss of Key Role Models Drugs and Alcohol Involvement with many agencies Engagement Education (Lack of stability)

17. https://youtu.be/f9Ya0mHsIgM