Agenda item

Report of Detective Superintendent Paul Goundry, Safeguarding Lead, Durham Constabulary and Carole Payne, Head of Children Services, County Durham.

The Chairman, Councillor D Boyes introduced the Safeguarding Manager,  Durham Constabulary, Helen Murphy, and the Team Manager, Children and Adults Services (CAS), Sheila Purvis who were in attendance to give an update presentation to Members in respect of the ERASE Team (for copy see file of minutes).

The Safeguarding Manager referred Members to the report circulated with the agenda papers, and the slides provided.  It was explained that the current profile in terms of child sexual exploitation (CSE) for County Durham was young people most commonly aged 13-16, with those who are reported missing being especially at risk.  Members noted that the vast majority of CSE began online, however, other locations could include takeaways, house parties, and youth hang out areas.  Members learned of the work undertaken by Neighbourhood Wardens (NWs), Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), and local Beat Officers in identifying areas where young people hang out and making them safe.  Councillors noted that while boys were affected, the majority of victims were female and there were also links in terms of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) young people and CSE.  It was added that offenders tended to be lone offenders, rather than operating in groups and most offenders within County Durham were White British. 

Members learned that the aims of the ERASE team were to reduce the risk of CSE through:

·       Multi-agency working, prevention and disruption plans

·       Intelligence development

·       Engaging with young people at risk

·       Raise awareness about CSE

It was noted there were different target audiences, including professionals, people within communities/parents, and young people themselves.  It was reiterated that there was an aim to reduce the risk and demand associated with missing children.  Councillors noted that the Team Manager, CAS attended all the CSE meetings with the Detective Sergeant chairing the meetings.  Members were given an example, highlighting how the range of agencies shared their information, how issues would be identified and prevention and disruption plans would be put in place.  The Team Manager, CAS noted how well various agencies worked together, for example bus companies, colleges, charities in being able to identify potential warning signs such as young people receiving gifts or money and changes in use of mobile phones.  The Safeguarding Manager added that all information was vital in being able to help prevent and disrupt CSE, with the Team being able to build upon intelligence received.

The Team Manager, CAS noted that the ERASE Team had noted a number of young people from other Local Authority areas were placed in accommodation within County Durham and if this is determined within interviews with Social Workers or CSE interviews, then the ERASE Team would speak to the other Local Authority as regards how they could then support the young person, noting in some cases the Local Authority may not be nearby.  The Safeguarding Manager noted the vast majority were from nearby Local Authorities and a meeting had taken place with the Chief Constable and Chief Executive from another Local Authority to discuss protocols for information sharing in terms of CSE risk.         

The Safeguarding Manager explained that CSE profile was looked at annually, to improve the intelligence development and tasking around perpetrators, with a dedicated researcher looking all information received and providing research for CSE meetings to help task other teams and including innovative tactics to intervene to protect a child.  Members noted examples of how suspected vehicles could be added to the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system and that ERASE Caseworkers could liaise with the analyst as required.  It was noted that the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) also helped in terms of information gathering and filling in any gaps, and that the big task was in raising awareness.  Councillors noted that there was number awareness raising activities including: the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) delivering briefings to Area Action Partnerships (AAPs); two half-day conferences to over 300 professionals; single agency training; team briefings; and media and marketing plan around target audiences.  Councillors also noted that there would also be social media activity, bus stop adverts from mid-September as well as feeding into national campaign days.  The Team Leader, CAS noted that further to presentations for young people, Headteachers from secondary schools had received training last year and this year would also include Headteachers from primary schools. 

The Safeguarding Manager explained that in terms of reducing the risk and demand associated with missing children and supporting young people at risk, activities included: two missing coordinators: a youth worker engaging with young people, carrying out return to home interviews and carrying out a risk matrix in terms of CSE; a community support team; accountability of all repeat missing; contact with children homes; and demand analysis.  The Team Manager, CAS noted that it was important to be able to have these early interventions and to assess and refer accordingly. 

The Committee noted there had been some real successes and that the next steps would include an interim review, carried out by Professor S Hackett of Durham University, and multi-agency audit findings.  Members noted emerging issues such as the need to get it right in “sexting” cases, as some could include CSE issues, and in terms of a new child advocacy model pilot.  It was added that it was important to continue to engage with young people and parents to be able to explain the importance of being safe while using social media and messaging applications.  Members noted that young people should not be criminalised where there is no CSE issue; however, it was vital to communicate to young people the dangers in such messaging and sharing of pictures.  The Team Leader, CAS added that it was also important to help parents understand and be aware of the relevant privacy settings for their children’s social media, keeping the whole family safe.

The Safeguarding Manager explained that funding of £750,000 had been obtained in terms of a pilot programme to help support victims, with updates on this being reported back to the LSCB.

Councillors noted that the ways that they could help would be by: “see something, say something”, meaning to pass any information to the Police for them to make a judgement as regards the situation and then to respond in a proportional manner; to help raise awareness and share information and look at events where training could be provided; and to keep CSE on the agenda, fostering a supportive culture for all victims and providing a message of zero tolerance to abusers.

The Chairman, Councillor D Boyes thanked the Safeguarding Managerand the Team Manager, CAS and asked Members for their questions on the report and presentation.

Councillor M Nicholls noted the presentation and report were very in-depth and thanked the Officers for their work, as well as all associated agencies and organisations, such as DISC, and also asked if there was a number that Members could use to give information.  The Safeguarding Manager explained that Members could use the non-emergency 101 telephone number if they had some information, however, it may also be possible to bring forward information via the First Contact service.

Councillor O Gunn noted that it was good that information was being shared via AAPs and within Primary Schools, however added that she felt it may also be appropriate for School Governors to also receive training.  Councillor O Gunn asked whether there was any impact in terms of the school holiday period and also whether information leaflets could be made available for parents, for example at Police and Communities Together (PACT) Meetings.  The Safeguarding Manager noted that some messages were brought forward at PACT meetings as appropriate, and the Team Leader, CAS added that there were awareness session within school with Governors, and this linked in with the LSCB and their training.  It was noted that there was work carried out in the school holidays with the Family First and One Point Services, working closely with communities.  The Team Leader, CAS explained that with the ERASE Team being based within One Point allowed for face-to-face interaction which was a better working relationship and helped ensure a speed of response.  The Safeguarding Manager added that summer project were designed to help engage with young people and included fishing events, drama events and courses in relation to emotional resilience.

Councillor T Nearney asked as regards multi-agency working and the increased training and how investigation and enforcement were carried out.  Councillor T Nearney also asked as regards the role of the community and voluntary sector (CVS) in terms of helping with education on the issues, noting there were a lot of good materials available from charities.  The Team Leader, CAS noted that there had been meetings with colleagues from the Education department and materials were chosen to ensure all primary schools were using the same series of presentations on the issue, ensuring a consistent approach.  The Safeguarding Manager noted issues such as alcohol would be looked at by the Harm Reduction Unit (HRU) and they would look to confiscate any alcohol from underage drinkers.  It was added that the HRU would also share information in terms of any vulnerable young people.

Councillor H Smith noted that getting the message across at a young age was vital, and agreed with the issue being brought to attention at primary school.  Councillor H Smith noted there were a lot of very good materials available from the NSPCC and asked whether the materials being used were bespoke Durham County Council (DCC) materials.  The Team Leader, CAS noted those materials were very good, as were a number from other organisations such as Barnardos, and the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) website and that those developed for use in schools would bring together the best of what was available.

The Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities, Councillor J Allen noted she had visited the ERASE project approximately a year ago in the early stages of its development.  Councillor J Allen noted the issues in terms of children’s homes and missing children, and welcomed the involvement of the Chief Constable and also the Council’s Head of Children’s Services, Carol Payne in the work undertaken.  Councillor J Allen referred Members to the impact and success of the “Dying to be Cool” campaign in relation to cold water shock and added that a campaign akin to that may be useful.

Councillor J Turnbull asked if there were any mechanisms in place to alert Authorities offenders being placed in properties close to schools.  The Safeguarding Manager explained that if they were convicted offenders, there would be a multi-agency approach which would include housing providers.  It was added that should there be information as regards a situation that was not working, then the Public Protection Unit should be informed accordingly.  The Team Leader, CAS added that should Members have any information, no matter how trivial it may seem, they should bring it to the attention of the Police as they can investigate the matter further and that sometimes one piece can be the key to “completing the jigsaw“.

The Chairman, Councillor D Boyes thanked the Safeguarding Manager, the Team Manager, CAS and Members for their questions.

Resolved:

That the report and presentation be noted.