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Children Living Away from Home (including Children and Families Living in Temporary Accommodation)

Revelations of the widespread abuse and neglect of children living away from home have done much to raise awareness of the particular vulnerability of this group. Many of these reports have focused on sexual abuse, but physical and emotional abuse and neglect - including peer abuse, bullying and substance misuse - are equally a threat in institutional settings. In addition, some young people are living independently in the community and may require the coordination of services which will be identified through the Early Help or Social Care Single Assessment processes.
The circumstances where children live away from home and family include:
<ul>
<li>Boarding schools;</li>
<li>Children's homes;</li>
<li>Foster care;</li>
<li>Private fostering;</li>
<li>Respite Care;</li>
<li>Hospitals;</li>
<li>Prisons, young offender institutions, secure training centres, secure units;</li>
<li>Armed Services;</li>
<li>Young people who are living independently;</li>
<li>Students from abroad (including foreign exchange visits);</li>
<li>Children from abroad placed with friends or relations in the UK;</li>
<li>Unaccompanied asylum seeking children</li>
</ul>
Disabled children and children for whom English is an additional language are particularly vulnerable when they are living away from home.

Introduction

There are a number of essential safeguards which should be implemented in all settings in which children live away from home. Where services are not directly provided, essential safeguards should be explicitly addressed in contracts with external providers.
These safeguards should ensure that:
<ul>
<li>Children feel valued and respected and their self-esteem is promoted;</li>
<li>Children who live away from home are listened to and their views and concerns responded to;</li>
<li>Children have ready access to a trusted adult outside the institution, e.g. a family member, the child's Social Worker, independent visitor, children's advocate;</li>
<li>Children should be made aware of the help they could receive from independent advocacy services, external mentors, and&nbsp;Childline;</li>
<li>Children should be genuinely able to raise concerns and make suggestions for changes and improvements, which are taken seriously;</li>
<li>Effective action is taken to prevent and respond to bullying.</li>
</ul>
Settings are fit for purpose and ensure that:
<ul>
<li>There is openness on the part of the institution to the external world and external scrutiny, including contact with families and the wider community;</li>
<li>There are clear procedures for referring safeguarding concerns about a child to the relevant local authority;</li>
<li>Organisations should have a code of conduct instructing staff on their duty to their employer and their professional obligations which should also include raising legitimate concerns about the conduct of colleagues or managers;</li>
<li>There should be a guarantee that procedures can be invoked in ways which do not prejudice the 'whistle-blower's' own position and prospects; there is respect for diversity and sensitivity to race, culture, religion, gender, sexuality and disability;</li>
</ul>
Staffing arrangements ensure that:
<ul>
<li>Staff and foster carers are trained in all aspects of safeguarding children; can recognise children's vulnerabilities and risks of harm; and know how and when to implement safeguarding children procedures;</li>
<li>Recruitment and selection procedures are rigorous and create a high threshold of entry to deter abusers;</li>
<li>There is effective supervision and support, which extends to temporary staff and volunteers;</li>
<li>Contractor staff are effectively checked and supervised when on site or in contact with children;</li>
<li>Staff recognise the importance of ascertaining the wishes and feelings of children and understand how individual children communicate by verbal or non-verbal means;</li>
<li>Clear procedures and support systems are in place for dealing with expressions of concern by staff and carers about other staff or carers;</li>
<li>Staff and carers are alert to the risks of harm to children in the external environment from people prepared to exploit the additional vulnerability of children living away from home.</li>
</ul>
A complaints procedure is in place which:
<ul>
<li>Is clear, effective, user friendly and readily accessible to children and young people, including those with disabilities and those for whom English is not their preferred language;</li>
<li>Addresses informal as well as formal complaints. Systems that do not promote open communication about 'minor' complaints will not be responsive to major ones, and a pattern of 'minor' complaints may indicate more deeply seated problems in management and culture which need to be addressed.</li>
</ul>
Records of complaints should be kept by providers of children's services, for example there should be a complaints register in every children's home which records all representations or complaints, the action taken to address them, and the outcomes.

Essential Safeguards in All Settings

Children who are&nbsp;Looked After&nbsp;in public care have particular needs. Individual children may be hard to reach and have little regard for their own safety. It is the responsibility of all practitioners to ensure that these children are safeguarded and their welfare is promoted.
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-reviewing-officers-handbook" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Independent Reviewing Officers IRO Handbook: Statutory guidance for independent reviewing officers and local authorities on their functions in relation to case management and review for looked after children (2010)</a>&nbsp;gives specific guidance on duties in relation to children who are looked after in public care. These apply to all children who are subject to&nbsp;Care Orders&nbsp;(either interim or final) whether they are living in residential care, with foster carers, independently or at home. They also relate to children who are voluntarily accommodated in public care.
Social Workers should ensure that a looked after child is seen alone regularly and at key points. Care should be taken to listen to the wishes and views of the child and these should be recorded.
Children should always be given the opportunity of seeing the&nbsp;Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)and speaking to them on their own (if age and developmentally appropriate) at the time of each&nbsp;Looked After Review.
The safety and appropriateness of the plans and arrangements for a child who is looked after in public care are considered at the Looked After Review meeting, a multi-agency forum which takes place on a regular basis and should be fully recorded. Any practitioner who has concerns about the welfare of a child should raise their concerns at that meeting or, if more urgent, bring them to the attention of the Social Worker or IRO at any time.
The duty of the local authority to undertake s47 enquiries when there are concerns that child has suffered or is likely to suffer&nbsp;Significant Harm&nbsp;applies to children who are in the care of the local authority as it does to children who live in any other situation.

Children Looked After by the Local Authority

Children who live in residential establishments have particular needs and practitioners should be vigilant in ensuring that they feel safe and secure both within and outside the setting.
Managers should ensure that staff members are aware of procedures to follow in respect of abuse by children and young people. See also&nbsp;<a href="/chapter/children-who-present-a-risk-of-harm-to-others">Children who Present a Risk of Harm to Others Procedure</a>.
Residential staff who have concerns about the welfare or safety of any child for whom they care should first raise the concern with the registered manager (or deputy) of the unit immediately.
Any allegations made against staff members or volunteers should be responded to in line with these procedures. See&nbsp;<a href="/chapter/allegations-against-staff-carers-and-volunteers">Allegations Against Staff, Carers and Volunteers Procedure</a>.

Children looked after in Residential Settings

The majority of children who are in the care of the local authority are placed with foster carers and should expect to be treated in the same way as a child in any other family
If concerns are raised about the quality of care, the safety provided or an allegation of abuse to a child in foster care, consideration should also be given the welfare of any other children living in the household, including the foster carers' own children and possibly previously cared for children. See<a href="/chapter/allegations-against-staff-carers-and-volunteers">&nbsp;Allegations Against Staff, Carers and Volunteers Procedure</a>.

Children looked after in Foster Care

Where a child is placed for adoption, s/he remains a looked after child, until the&nbsp;Adoption Order&nbsp;is made and procedures in relation to the care of&nbsp;Looked After&nbsp;children continue to apply.

Children placed for adoption

Children placed in privately run residential or foster homes are the responsibility of their own placing authority. However, whilst the child is living in Derby or Derbyshire these procedures apply.
Where there is an allegation of abuse by staff or other children or young people, it is the responsibility of Children's Social Care (in Derby or Derbyshire) to convene a strategy discussion/ meeting. A specific decision of the strategy discussion/meeting will be to determine the responsibility for undertaking any enquiries. See&nbsp;<a href="/chapter/child-protection-section-47-enquiries#strategy-discussions-meetings">Child Protection Section 47 Enquiries Procedure, Strategy Discussions/Meetings</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="/chapter/allegations-against-staff-carers-and-volunteers">Allegations Against Staff, Carers and Volunteers Procedure</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="/chapter/children-who-present-a-risk-of-harm-to-others">Children who Present a Risk of Harm to Others Procedure</a>.
The local authority in whose area a child is found in circumstances that require emergency action, is responsible for taking that action. If the child is looked after by, or the subject of a&nbsp;Child Protection Plan&nbsp;in another authority, the first authority should consult the authority responsible for the child. Only when the second local authority explicitly accepts responsibility is the first authority relieved of the responsibility to take emergency action. Such acceptance should be subsequently confirmed in writing.

Children placed by other authorities in privately run residential or foster homes in Derby or Derbyshire

Transition is made following a review or pathway planning decision that the young person will have need of adult services post 18 years. Those young people in transition from children's to adult services and independent living are particularly vulnerable, and practitioners should be vigilant in ensuring that they feel safe and secure. There will be occasions when the young person has additional needs or requires independent living and support prior to this point.
Managers should ensure that staff members are aware of procedures to follow in respect of abuse by children and young people. See also:&nbsp;<a href="/chapter/children-who-present-a-risk-of-harm-to-others">Children who Present a Risk of Harm to Others Procedure</a>.
The safety and appropriateness of the plans and arrangements for a child who is looked after in public care are considered at the Looked After Review meeting, a multi-agency forum which takes place on a regular basis and should be fully recorded. Any practitioner who has concerns about the welfare of a child should raise their concerns at that meeting or, if more urgent, bring them to the attention of the Social Worker or IRO at any time.
The duty of the local authority to undertake s47 enquiries when there are concerns that child has suffered or is likely to suffer Significant Harm applies to children who are in the care of the local authority as it does to children who live in any other situation.

Children in transition to adult services and independent living

<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-service-framework-children-young-people-and-maternity-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services</a>&nbsp;sets out standards for hospital services. Hospitals should be child friendly, safe and healthy places for children, with care in an appropriate location and environment. Children should not be cared for in an adult ward.
Section 85 of the Children Act 1989 requires Health Providers / Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to notify the Children's Social Care for the area where the child is ordinarily resident when a child has been, or will be, accommodated by the Health Provider / ICB for 3 months or more, for example in hospital. This is so the welfare of the child can be assessed if necessary and kept under review. Specific criteria apply to the discharge of a child from hospital where there have been concerns about abuse.

Children in Hospital

The local authority has the same responsibilities towards children in custody as it does towards other children in the area.&nbsp;Where a child becomes looked after as a result of being remanded to youth detention accommodation (YDA), the local authority must visit the child and assess the child's needs before taking a decision. This information must be used to prepare a Detention Placement Plan (DPP), which must set out how the YDA and other professionals will meet the child's needs whilst the child remains remanded. The DPP must be reviewed in the same way as a care plan for any other looked after child.
The&nbsp;Youth Justice Board&nbsp;has a duty to take a lead on ensuring that children in its care are appropriately cared for and that it has robust procedures to safeguard their welfare.

Children in Custody

A private fostering arrangement is one made without the involvement of Children's Social Care for the care of a child under the age of 16 (under 18, if disabled) by someone other than a parent or close relative for 28 days or more. This may include children sent from abroad, asylum seeking and refugee children, teenagers staying in short term arrangements with friends or other non relatives and language students with host families. (A close relative is defined as grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt - whether of full blood or half blood or by marriage or civil partnership - or step-parent).
Private foster carers and those with&nbsp;Parental Responsibility&nbsp;are required to notify the local authority of their intention to privately foster or have a child fostered.
Teachers, health and other practitioners should notify Children's Social Care of any private fostering arrangements that come to their attention; unless they are satisfied that Children's Social Care have already been notified of the arrangement.
Children's Social Care must satisfy themselves as to the suitability of the private foster carer, their household and accommodation.
Where advance notice is given, this should be prior to the commencement of the arrangement. There are powers to impose requirements on the carer or, if there are serious concerns about an arrangement, to prohibit it.
Children's Social Care must visit privately fostered children at regular intervals (a minimum of 6 weekly visits in year 1 and thereafter a minimum of 12 weekly) to ensure that their welfare is being satisfactorily safeguarded and promoted and that private foster carers and parents are provided with any required advice. The child should be seen alone unless it is inappropriate to do so.
Children should be given contact details of the social care worker who will be visiting them while they are being privately fostered.
The Children Act 1989 creates a number of offences in connection with private fostering, including the failure to notify an arrangement or to comply with any requirement or prohibition imposed by Children's Services. Certain people are disqualified from being private foster carers.
For further information please see&nbsp;<a href="https://derbycsc.trixonline.co.uk/chapter/private-fostering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Derby Private Fostering Procedure</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://derbyshirecaya.trixonline.co.uk/chapter/private-fostering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Derbyshire Children's Services Private Fostering Procedure</a>.
Information about private fostering is also available on the Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Partnership website and Derbyshire County Council website:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ddscp.org.uk/staff-and-volunteers/info-and-resources/private-fostering/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Derby</a>;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/children-and-families/foster/private-fostering/private-fostering.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Derbyshire</a>.</li>
</ul>

Private Fostering

Large numbers of children arrive into this country from overseas every day. Many of these children do so legally in the care of their parents, or for the purposes of education, a holiday etc. and do not raise any concerns for statutory agencies. Whenever there are any concerns about a child from abroad they should be reported to Children's Social Care. See&nbsp;<a href="/chapter/making-a-referral-to-social-care">Making a Referral to Social Care Procedure</a>.

Children from Abroad

Children from abroad who attend boarding school in the UK are not considered to be privately fostered during the term time. If, during holiday periods, they remain at school or stay with carers arranged by the school, for a period of 14 days or more they are regarded as being privately fostered and the regulations set out above apply.
If arrangements for the care of the children during holiday periods are made directly between the parents and carers (without the involvement of an intermediary) the private fostering regulations come into effect after 28 days.

Children from abroad in Education Settings

Children on foreign exchange visits typically stay with a family selected by the school in the host country. Where this is for a period of less than 28 days they are not 'privately fostered'.
In these circumstances the only agency involved is education, with the school making arrangements to select host families and to negotiate the provision of families abroad.
In the event that any child in a household is subject to a&nbsp;Child Protection Plan, is a&nbsp;Child in Need&nbsp;or is the subject of a s47 enquiry, the household should (until there is a satisfactory resolution of concerns) be regarded by the school as unsuitable to receive a pupil from an overseas school.
Schools remain responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children when they arrange school exchange visits abroad. A school must take all reasonable steps to ensure that relevant schools abroad take a comparable approach.
See&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Keeping Children Safe in Education, Annex E: Host Families Homestay During Exchange Visits</a>.

Foreign Exchange Visits

Some children arrive in this country in circumstances that make them particularly vulnerable which include:
<ul>
<li>In the care of adults who, whilst they may be their carers, have no Parental Responsibility for them;</li>
<li>In the care of adults who have no documents to demonstrate a relationship with the child;</li>
<li>In the care of agents (adults employed to bring them into the country);</li>
<li>Being unaccompanied.</li>
</ul>
This is a broad cohort of children, and it may include (but is not limited to) children who have been subject to trafficking and/or modern slavery, and/or may have been exposed to the additional risks of commercial, sexual or domestic exploitation.
Evidence shows that unaccompanied migrant children or those accompanied by someone who is not their parent are particularly vulnerable. Immigration legislation impacts significantly on work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people from abroad.
Additional issues are likely to arise in relation to this cohort of children, whether or not they are found to be, or suspected of being, victims of trafficking or modern slavery. Some children may say they are unaccompanied when claiming asylum - a trafficker may have told the child that in doing so they will be granted permission to stay in the UK and be entitled to claim welfare benefits. Practitioners should always be alert to the fact the child may have been trafficked internally within the UK; see&nbsp;<a href="/resources/documents-library">Responding to Adult and Child Victims of Modern Slavery (Documents Library, Guidance Documents)</a>.
Unaccompanied, internally displaced children may come to the UK seeking asylum or may be here to attend school or join their family. An unaccompanied child may be the subject of a Private Fostering arrangement, and subsequently exploited or abandoned when the arrangement fails.
Children arriving from abroad who are unaccompanied or accompanied by someone who is not their parent and/or where there are concerns that they may have been trafficked should be immediately referred to children's social care; see&nbsp;<a href="/chapter/making-a-referral-to-social-care">Making a Referral to Social Care Procedure</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="/resources/documents-library">Responding to Adult and Child Victims of Modern Slavery (Documents Library, Guidance Documents)</a>.
Where there are concerns that a child may be or is likely to suffer Significant Harm, Children's Social Care will convene a Strategy Discussion / Meeting involving health, police and other relevant agencies. See&nbsp;<a href="/chapter/child-protection-section-47-enquiries#strategy-discussions-meetings">Child Protection Section 47 Enquiries Procedure, Strategy Discussions / Meetings</a>.
The strategy discussion/meeting will:
<ul>
<li>Develop a strategy for making enquiries into the child's circumstances, including confirmation of the child's identity and immigration status, age, carer's relationship with the child and immigration status, child's health and education arrangements in this country;</li>
<li>Consider if a plan is required for the child's immediate protection, including the supervision and monitoring of arrangements (for Looked After Children this will form part of the Care Plan);</li>
<li>Agree what support the child requires, including what should be put in place to enable the child to communicate effectively and how the child and their family members are to be approached and what they will be told;</li>
<li>Whether specialist advice, support or assessment should be sought;</li>
<li>Agree if photographs and identifying details need to be obtained;</li>
<li>Agree how any criminal investigations, assessments and legal action is to be co-ordinated.</li>
</ul>
There should also be a consideration of:
<ul>
<li>The additional implications for a family where there are concerns about immigration/deportation;</li>
<li>Balancing the impact on a child of separation with the available history and its credibility;</li>
<li>Judgements about child care practices in the context of different cultural backgrounds and experiences;</li>
<li>The child and family's perceptions of "Authority Figures", the role of the Police in particular, and the level of fear which may be generated.</li>
</ul>
In some cultures child rearing is a shared responsibility between relatives and members of the community. Children may arrive in this country in the care of adults with whom they have always lived but to whom they are only distantly, if at all, related. Unless they are close relatives, that is grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt (whether of the full blood or half blood or by marriage or civil partnership) or step-parent), the child should be considered as being privately fostered and the placement subject to the relevant checks and regulations. See&nbsp;<a href="#private-fostering">Section 6, Private Fostering</a>.
Approved interpreters should be used when the child's preferred language is not English.
Children who do not have someone with Parental Responsibility caring for them can still access universal services including education and health care.

Unaccompanied Children from Abroad and Asylum Seeking Children

Placement in temporary accommodation, often at a distance from previous support networks or involving frequent moves, can lead to individuals and families "falling through the net" and becoming disengaged from health, education, social care and welfare support systems.
Some families who have experienced homelessness and are placed in temporary accommodation by local authorities can have very transient lifestyles.
Some families in which children are at risk of being harmed move home frequently and there is a danger that they avoid monitoring or contact with agencies through this process.
The following circumstances may be associated with indicators of emerging vulnerability or more serious impacts on the welfare of children:
<ul>
<li>Children not registered with a GP for periods of time;</li>
<li>Children attending Hospital Emergency Departments for treatment, rather than engaging with primary health services;</li>
<li>Children not enrolled at a school;</li>
<li>Persistent non-school attendance.</li>
</ul>
Practitioners who support families in temporary accommodation may identify initial concerns regarding children's welfare. They have a responsibility to take action and/or refer on to another agency. These concerns may relate to:
<ul>
<li>What they have observed or witnessed happening to a child;</li>
<li>The physical conditions within the home/accommodation;</li>
<li>The family's reactions to crisis;</li>
<li>Inconsistencies in the information given to housing, homelessness staff and to other agencies;</li>
<li>What a child has said/disclosed;</li>
<li>Concerns raised by a child, or concerns raised by others.</li>
</ul>
In addition, housing providers may hold important information that could assist Children's Social Care to carry out assessments under Section 17 or Section 47 of the Children Act 1989.
It is important that effective systems are in place to ensure that the children of homeless families receive services for example: health and education as well as any other specific types of services as these families may be at risk of becoming disengaged from services. Often practitioners will use an Early Help Assessment to coordinate services and where additional complex needs and concerns arise about a child these should be referred to Children's Social Care, see&nbsp;<a href="/chapter/making-a-referral-to-social-care">Making a Referral to Social Care Procedure</a>.

Children and Families living in Temporary Accommodation

Responding to Adult and Child Victims of Modern Slavery (Documents Library, Guidance Documents)

Deprivation of Liberty (DoL)

September 2024
<div class="panel panel-info">
<a href="/chapter/introduction-to-these-procedures">Introduction to these Procedures</a>
Please note: The Derby City and Derbyshire Thresholds Document can be found in the <a href="/resources/documents-library">Documents Library</a>. 
</div>

Assessing and Providing Help

Children in Specific Circumstances

Children's Workforce

Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Multi Agency Safeguarding Arrangements

Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Partnership and Organisational Responsibilities

Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews - An overview

Child Death Reviews - An overview

Derby and Derbyshire Child Death Overview Panel - Statutory Responsibilities and Arrangements  Implementation Plan

- Guidance for Safeguarding Partners and Child Protection  Professionals on What the Panel Does and How it Works

Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel

Learning and Improvement

Guidance Documents

Working Together to Safeguard Children

What to do if you're worried a child is being abused - Advice for Practitioners (Department for Education, 2015)

Information Sharing: Advice for Safeguarding Practitioners

NICE Guidance - When to Suspect Maltreatment in Under 18s

GMC Guidance - Protecting Children and Young People: The Responsibilities of all Doctors

Amendments

Appendices

Children at Risk of Exploitation (CRE)

This procedure focuses on safeguarding and protecting children at risk of exploitation (CRE) and outlines the actions to be taken.
Children and young people who are sexually or criminally exploited or at risk of exploitation are victims of child abuse. Where there is evidence that concerns are not being robustly addressed by universal services, who also have a role in protection and disruption, consideration should be given to referring to Children&rsquo;s Social Care and the Police to implement safeguarding processes, see&nbsp;<a href="/chapter/making-a-referral-to-social-care">Making a Referral to Social Care Procedure</a>.
Child exploitation relates to forms of child abuse including (but not exclusively) the sexual and criminal exploitation of children under 18 years of age and possibly up to age 25 for children who have Special Educational Needs and Disability [SEND]; or have previously been in the care of the Local Authority.
Any child who is at risk of or suffering any form of exploitation should be treated as a victim of abuse, regardless of the circumstances of the case. Exploitation of children is a national issue and many parents who have children who are at risk will have made numerous attempts to support their child and disrupt the activity. These parents are integral to the protection of their children and should be considered at the earliest stages in addressing concerns.
Child sexual exploitation (CSE)&nbsp;is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.
<h3>Common characteristics of CSE</h3>
<ul>
<li>Violence, coercion and intimidation are common in circumstances where children are exploited this is demonstrated by the child or young person&rsquo;s limited availability of choice, as a result of their social, economic or emotional vulnerability;</li>
<li>The child or young person does not recognise the coercive nature of the perceived relationship and often does not see themselves as a victim of exploitation.</li>
</ul>
Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)&nbsp;is child abuse where children and young people are manipulated and coerced into committing crimes. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. Child criminal exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.
<h3>Common characteristics of Criminal Exploitation</h3>
<ul>
<li>CCE is commonly seen within the County Lines Model of drug supply however criminal exploitation of children is broader than just county lines and includes for instance exploitation of children for local drug supply with their home County or children forced to work on cannabis farms or to commit acquisitive crime, burglary, shop lifting, begging, knife crimes and other weapons offences. It can also include financial exploitation where children are groomed into helping criminals launder money or commit fraud. Vulnerable adults may also be targeted e.g. from financial exploitation or their home may be taken over to distribute Class A drugs in a practice referred to as 'cuckooing'.</li>
</ul>
There are cross cutting themes in all forms of exploitation, any child could be exploited and there can be more than one form of exploitation at any one time. Grooming, issues of consent, fear, violence and moving the child for the purposes of exploitation and underlying vulnerabilities such as neglect are common features of exploitation
Exploitation can be perpetrated by individuals or groups, of any gender, background, ethnicity or culture, and by children or adults. The abuse can be a one-off occurrence or a series of incidents over time, and range from opportunistic to complex organised abuse.

Introduction to Children at Risk of Exploitation (CRE)

Exploitation&nbsp;can happen in a number of contexts involving contact and non-contact abuse, via 1-1 (i.e., child on child or adult on child), constrained choices (a child feels they have no choice) or an organised abuse (group) basis such as paedophile ring or exploited via gang association.
Types of exploitation may include:
<ul>
<li>Child sexual exploitation;</li>
<li>Child criminal exploitation, including drugs supply, acquisitive crime, county lines and financial exploitation such as fraud and money laundering;</li>
<li>Modern slavery;</li>
<li>Extremism and radicalisation;</li>
<li>Internet based exploitation - contact and non-contact offences, including sending Nudes and Semi nudes;</li>
<li>Female genital mutilation (FGM);</li>
<li>Honour based abuse and violence;</li>
<li>Forced marriage;</li>
<li>Serious adult and youth violence, including gang violence.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Who is vulnerable to exploitation?</h3>
Any child, in any community: Child exploitation is occurring across the country but is often hidden. All practitioners should be open to the possibility that the children they work with might be affected. Structural inequalities such as children and families living in poverty increase vulnerabilities that place those families at heightened risk of exploitation, particularly those without adequate systemic support.
Children who go missing or who are not regularly attending education are at particular risk of exploitation. Consideration should be given to the completion of the&nbsp;<a href="/resources/documents-library?root=0b6754c6-c87f-49de-9ec2-79ec8d97e1bc">CRE Risk Assessment</a> (Documents Library, Assessment Tools Section) when children go missing. Health care professionals may wish to use the <a href="/resources/documents-library?root=0b6754c6-c87f-49de-9ec2-79ec8d97e1bc">Child Sexual Exploitation Risk Questionnaire (CSERQ4)</a> This is particularly poignant where children are looked after, and therefore may be missing more regularly.
Age: Children of any age are at risk of child exploitation.
Gender, identity and sexual orientation: Children of any gender, identity or sexual orientation can be exploited but children who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender fluid or other, may be at increased risk of exploitation, or targeted offending.
Ethnicity: Child exploitation affects children from all ethnic groups.
Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
<ul>
<li>Children with disabilities are three times more likely to be abused than children without a disability;</li>
<li>Children with Neurodevelopmental conditions or conduct disorders are particularly vulnerable to being groomed and exploited;</li>
<li>Children with disabilities may be misled or not informed about sex and relationships and their rights, therefore increasing their vulnerability to exploitation;</li>
<li>Children who depend on technology as a means of communication are also more vulnerable to online grooming and abuse, tracking, bullying and harassment are also features of the online risk;</li>
<li>A lack of diagnosis and assessment for learning disabilities can result in a child&rsquo;s behaviour, vulnerabilities and needs being misunderstood;</li>
<li>Some attitudes and assumptions about children with a disability, or failure to believe disabled children are abused, increases vulnerability;</li>
<li>Lack of support may lead to isolation of the child and their family;</li>
<li>Dependency on a number of carers for personal assistance, impaired capacity, communication difficulties and inability to understand what is happening or how to seek help increases vulnerability.</li>
</ul>
Heightened vulnerability factors:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children--2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)</a>&nbsp;makes clear the requirements for holistic assessments and contextual safeguarding of children. In Derby and Derbyshire, the term &lsquo;place based risk&rsquo; relates to those contextual elements of risk. That means we need to keep children safe in all aspects of their lives, and in all environments for example, within peer and family relationships, within school, the community, whilst using online applications, general internet use, and in the home.
Practitioners should be mindful that parents, wider family or carers may be complicit in the exploitation of a child, they may also fail to protect from it. Therefore, there should be a thorough risk assessment that takes into consideration inter-familial risks and any risk external to the home (placed based risk).
In addition, children rarely identify as a victim of exploitation or relate to the risks identified by practitioners. Disclosure may take time and risks may only emerge during work and assessment with the child.
Research tells us that children who have suffered any form of trauma may be unable to relate to risk to themselves or others and may also be in denial about the risk identified by parents or practitioners. If this is the case trauma informed approaches should be considered.

Vulnerabilities and Exploitation

Good practice would include:
<ul>
<li>Practitioners must focus on the risks to the child, not any consequential behaviours they present with;</li>
<li>Early sharing of information to ensure that effective help is provided where there are emerging problems. (Set out in Operation Liberty);</li>
<li>The assessment of vulnerability and welfare needs must include contextual safeguarding and consider the lived experience of the child and their direct wishes and feelings;</li>
<li>An analysis of the home environment and any risks external to the family home &ndash; for example a location of concern;</li>
<li>Child-centred approach and intensive support around the child, their family and peers, including whether an advocate is required, and the use of appropriate tools are used to capture their views. It is important to ensure those views relate to the risk of exploitation and problem profiling;</li>
<li>Multi-agency eco-mapping and safety mapping completed with the child to support a better understanding of the risk of exploitation to the child;</li>
<li>Create a multi- agency disruption plan to reduce or remove risk to the child or family. See&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-exploitation-disruption-toolkit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Child exploitation disruption toolkit</a>;</li>
<li>Equal focus on the five pronged governmental, regional and local approach to CRE; Prevent, Protect, Pursue, Partnership, Provision. See&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/serious-violence-strategy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Serious Violence Strategy</a>;</li>
<li>Raising awareness with any professional, family or community;</li>
<li>Work with partners to disrupt areas or persons of concern and report information to police and social care licensing bodies where appropriate. Refer to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.derby.gov.uk/licensing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Derby Licensing teams</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/business/licences/licences.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Derbyshire Licensing teams</a>&nbsp;under Say Something if you See Something campaign;</li>
<li>Consistent relationships and support to be provided where possible;</li>
<li>Reflective supervision, support and training to staff to remain conversant with current trends and tools;</li>
<li>Evaluation of interventions and evaluation and review to continually support learning.</li>
</ul>
It is the duty of all practitioners to be alert to the indicators and vulnerabilities that signify children are being drawn into exploitative situations.
There are a number of important points to remember when assessing the risk of exploitation:
<ul>
<li>Information on exploitation shared with families and children must be relatable and in a format children and families understand. See&nbsp;<a href="https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/professionals/resources/child-exploitation-language-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Appropriate Language: Child Exploitation</a>;</li>
<li>Exploitation often occurs without the child&rsquo;s immediate knowledge, through others copying videos or images they have created and posted on social media;</li>
<li>Exploitation can affect family members or siblings and they may be at risk of retaliation; therefore, assessments must include wider risks to the family;</li>
<li>No child under 13 years or with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) issues can immediately be assessed as Low Risk. If there are indications that they are abused or at risk of exploitation a thorough assessment is required. However, if after a single assessment and a CRE risk assessment, protective factors are shown that mitigate the risk, then they can be recorded as low risk. The rationale for this must be recorded on the child&rsquo;s files;</li>
<li>Consideration should be given to those transitioning to adulthood or in receipt of services such as leaving care. Adult transition teams may be required to support with safety plans and may assume responsibility for a case, where there is an ongoing risk of exploitation;</li>
<li>Risks may fluctuate throughout support and interventions with the young person and/or their family, therefore regular updates of the risk assessment are required, minimum every 4 - 6 weeks in core or network meetings.</li>
</ul>
Modern Slavery is a complex crime that takes several different forms. It encompasses slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking. Even though most people think that slavery only exists overseas, Modern Slavery in the UK is thriving. It is estimated that tens of thousands of people are in Modern Slavery in the UK today.
All cases (locally and out of area) should be reviewed within a multi-agency strategy meeting for elements of Modern Slavery and appropriate referrals made as required i.e. National Referral Mechanism (Section 45 &amp; 46). See&nbsp;<a href="/resources/documents-library?root=a7bba2e0-e5c4-4e3d-867d-46be393d4b07">Responding to Adult and Child Victims of Modern Slavery (Documents Library, Guidance Documents)</a>.
It is important to intervene early whenever there are concerns that a child or young person is being radicalised. The&nbsp;<a href="/chapter/safeguarding-children-and-young-people-against-radicalisation-and-violent-extremism">Safeguarding Children and Young people against Radicalisation and Violent Extremism Procedure</a>&nbsp;should also be followed to ensure referrals are made to&nbsp;<a href="/resources/documents-library?root=0e6677bc-891b-4f76-a1a6-05fc711f0c33">Channel and Prevent</a>.
See also <a href="/resources/documents-library?root=5cecea7f-86d4-4b7f-9f59-fd6d0809ddc5">Derby and Derbyshire Runaway or Missing from Home or Care Protocol</a>, and the following Procedures:
<ul>
<li><a href="/chapter/domestic-abuse">Domestic Abuse Procedure</a>;</li>
<li><a href="/chapter/forced-marriage">Forced Marriage Procedure</a>;</li>
<li><a href="/chapter/honour-based-abuse-and-violence">Honour Based Abuse and Violence Procedure</a>;</li>
<li><a href="/chapter/safeguarding-children-and-young-people-against-radicalisation-and-violent-extremism">Safeguarding Children and Young people against Radicalisation and Violent Extremism Procedure</a>; and</li>
<li><a href="/chapter/safeguarding-children-at-risk-of-abuse-through-female-genital-mutilation-fgm">Safeguarding Children at Risk of Abuse Through Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Procedure;</a></li>
<li><a href="/chapter/safeguarding-children-from-online-harms">Safeguarding Children From Online Harms</a>.</li>
</ul>
See also Relevant Legislation, for example:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/42/contents" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sexual Offences Act (2003)</a>&nbsp;/&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/9/contents" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Serious Crime Act (2015)</a>.

Good Practice when Working with Children Affected by Exploitation

The earlier the intervention, the better the chances of success. It is vital to:
<ol>
<li>Consider reachable and teachable moments as discussed in serious case reviews of criminal exploitation DDSCP Learning from Reviews.</li>
<li>Use the support toolkits available from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and government plans for reforms to improve protection of children nationwide (Links provided in appendices).</li>
</ol>

CRE Risk Assessment and Next Steps

The CRE Risk Assessment should be used by all practitioners and agencies when a child is at risk of exploitation and should be sent to the relevant Local authority who will review in line with Threshold application. This is a professional tool and therefore include professional language however we would encourage parents and child&rsquo;s views to be an integral part of the assessment.
Furthermore, completion of the CRE Assessment is more effective when there are multi-agency views and collaboration. The practitioner identifying the concerns should involve liaison with other agencies, at a minimum Social Care, Police, Health and Education and Specialist Exploitation Services.
A full risk assessment should be used to assess any risk of exploitation to a child, this includes:
<ol>
<li>Why are you concerned about this child, why are they at risk of exploitation?</li>
<li>Cultural, Identity and additional vulnerability factors;</li>
<li>Risk Indicators and narrative;</li>
<li>Risk Assessment Analysis and Summary.</li>
</ol>
Please note: this is not simply a check list, the indicators and vulnerabilities provided within the risk assessment are not exhaustive. Practitioners must expand on any indicators they note and provide the narrative of concern and analysis of risk based on all relevant information. It is rarely one concern that makes a child vulnerable and therefore all must be considered within your analysis and response.
Remember that the language and terminology used in the risk assessment is professional and is&nbsp;not to be used directly with children or their families, however please ensure their views are incorporated and children and families understand the outcome of the assessment.
The assessment must consider wider risk to family/carers or other associates and use of other strategies to disrupt and prosecute offender.
The analysis should include.
<ul>
<li>Identification of current level of risk, primary risk/type of exploitation and immediate concerns;</li>
<li>Action already taken against person/s or places or risk;</li>
<li>Protective and resilience factors that mitigate risk to the child or family;</li>
<li>Place/space-based risk analysis;</li>
<li>Immediate actions taken to safeguard and protect the child;</li>
<li>Information sharing with key agencies and with family (where allowed);</li>
<li>Information on how, where and when this referral has been shared.</li>
</ul>
The level of intervention required depends on the presenting information. Practitioners should seek advice from an appropriate person within their agency, their designated safeguarding lead or from a CRE Champion/Single Point of Contact if available.
A record must be kept by each agency of case discussions, decision making and interventions. In all cases in order to facilitate the systematic collation of information in respect of children considered to be at risk of exploitation, the practitioner should also complete the&nbsp;<a href="/resources/documents-library?root=0e6677bc-891b-4f76-a1a6-05fc711f0c33">Information Sharing Form for Professionals Operation Liberty</a>.
Operation Liberty must be forwarded to the Police.
In&nbsp;Derby&nbsp;a new risk assessment should be completed after any significant incident and prior to any CRE review inclusive of TAF, CIN and CP. A significant incident would also require an update of the single assessment and potentially s17 or s47 strategy meeting.
The level of risk recorded at the meeting will remain on file regardless of new assessments, until there is a further multi-agency CRE review meeting to formally agree the level with all relevant partners. Planned meeting dates can sometimes be brought forward (if a manager contacts the chair of the conference to agree, and there is capacity to do so), but if there are serious concerns about the safety of a child, the normal safeguarding procedures must be followed.
In&nbsp;Derbyshire&nbsp;it is a requirement that high-risk cases should be reviewed every 4 weeks and medium risk cases should be reviewed every 6 weeks at a multi-agency CRE meeting. With these cases being heard at the Locality CRE panel for strategic oversight every month. If a significant incident has happened between these review times an updated CRE Risk Assessment to reflect this should be completed.
It should be noted that children can move very quickly between the risk indicators and therefore there should be a regular review of the risk assessment and any safety/action plan.

Assessment

Meetings should ensure that children and their parents are supported to participate wherever possible.
Specific actions arising from meetings must be recorded and an outline plan made available at the end of the meeting and later circulated alongside the minutes.
All agencies who have direct involvement with the child and their family will be expected to consider the CRE Risk Assessment from their perspective to assist preparing their contribution to the meeting.

Meetings

The plan developed should address any concerns associated with CRE and any wider safeguarding concerns, taking into consideration the CRE risk assessment and single assessment. The plan should be outcome focused and SMART, determining the appropriate interventions or referrals to specialist agencies offered. See&nbsp;<a href="https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Ftrixcms.trixonline.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fassets%2Fderbyshirecaya%2F5ff01179-2133-4e94-8eba-29e3ee1481af%2Fce-workflow-140624.docx&amp;wdOrigin=BROWSELINK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Derbyshire CRE Operational Workflow</a>.

Plan

Tackling child exploitation is a complex task. There are similarities between different forms of exploitation and victims of child exploitation may, at any one time, be subject to both sexual and criminal exploitation. It is therefore crucial that all practitioners recognise, and by working together, deploy tactics to disrupt exploitation when it occurs. Practitioners must formulate a plan that disrupts and prosecutes those who are manipulating, coercing or controlling the child.
The circumstances in which the exploitation occurs can demand different approaches to disruption. Factors such as the age of victims, the context in which offences occur and the risk they pose, require a range of different tools, deployed tactically by different agencies working together.
Intervention Strategies
Common strategies are outlined below:
<ul>
<li>Disrupting the child&rsquo;s relationship with other children suspected of exploitation through them being manipulated to introduce them to serious adult and youth violence, including gang violence, drugs and sexual exploitation;</li>
<li>Disrupting the child&rsquo;s contact with adults suspected of being involved in violence, drugs and exploitation;</li>
<li>Gather, record and share information (via Operation Liberty) to assist prosecution and disruption of adults or other children suspected of being involved in the exploitation or drawing children into risky situations;</li>
<li>Corroboration of evidence is very important to prevent the reliance on the child&rsquo;s disclosure or statement;</li>
<li>Promote positive relationships with family, friends and carers, communities;</li>
<li>Physically protect the child for example Emergency Protection Order, Police Protection, Child Abduction Warning, Community Protection Notice or Behaviour order to manage any associated anti social activity if required, note these are at the discretion of the relevant authority;</li>
<li>Maintain contact whilst absent; 'compassion banking&rsquo; i.e., text, email, letter, card;</li>
<li>Enhance the return procedure to ensure it is a positive experience Refer to&nbsp;<a href="/resources/documents-library?root=5cecea7f-86d4-4b7f-9f59-fd6d0809ddc5">RMHC Protocol</a>&nbsp;in DDSCP Documents Library;</li>
<li>Set clear boundaries of acceptable behaviour and motivate positive behaviour through reward;</li>
<li>Empower the child/parent/carer/ foster carer, remember they are a key partner in protecting the child and gathering information to disrupt offenders;</li>
<li>Build the child&rsquo;s self-esteem;</li>
<li>Raise the child&rsquo;s awareness of exploitation and the related dangers;</li>
<li>Consider physical, sexual and emotional health needs of the child and family;</li>
<li>Involve the child in diversionary activities;</li>
<li>Make school a safe or more attractive place to go;</li>
<li>Provide specialist support through other agencies;</li>
<li>Plan on positive change for the future and set small targets to achieve monthly;</li>
<li>Where a child is unable to engage and there is concern that they are forced to sell or exchange sex or facilitating grooming for those exploiting them, discuss this with the Police or your CRE Lead to establish how to disrupt the offenders and protect this child;</li>
<li>Use commissioned services for Medium and High-risk Support (with approval from a CPM) and local specialist services to enhance support to children and parents /siblings.</li>
</ul>
In addition to the above practitioners should refer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-exploitation-disruption-toolkit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Child Exploitation Disruption Toolkit;</a>&nbsp;which:
<ul>
<li>Sets out many of the tools useful for police and other safeguarding professionals to disrupt the sexual and criminal exploitation of children;</li>
<li>Raise awareness, this helps safeguarding partners know how their knowledge, expertise and information sharing could contribute to the protection of victims and support the arrest and potential prosecution of offenders;</li>
<li>Provide useful guidance about technological options available to support interventions;</li>
<li>A child must never be blamed for their abuse, professionals and families must be encouraged to use language and terminology that does not infer blame or perceived consent on a child. Offenders are responsible for the exploitation and abuse of children.</li>
</ul>
It is important to bear in mind that:
<ul>
<li>A child under the age of 13 is not legally capable of consenting to sex (it is statutory rape) or any other type of sexual touching;</li>
<li>Sexual activity with a child under 16 is an offence;</li>
<li>It is an offence for a person to have a sexual relationship with a 16 or 17 year old if they hold a position of trust or authority in relation to them. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 has extended the definition of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/42/section/22A" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Position of Trust within the Sexual Offences Act 2003 section 22A</a>&nbsp;to include anyone who coaches, teaches, trains, supervises or instructs a child under 18, on a regular basis, in a sport or a religion. It is against the law for someone in a position of trust to engage in sexual activity with a child in their care, even if that child is over the age of consent (16 or over);</li>
<li>Where sexual activity with a 16 or 17 year old does not result in an offence being committed, it may still result in harm, or the likelihood of harm being suffered;</li>
<li>Non-consensual sex is rape whatever the age of the victim;</li>
<li>If the victim is incapacitated through drink or drugs, or the victim or their family has been subject to violence or the threat of it, they cannot be considered to have given true consent; therefore offences may have been committed;</li>
<li>Child sexual exploitation is therefore potentially a child protection issue for all children under the age of 18 years and not just those in a specific age group.</li>
</ul>
Practitioners must also consider other factors which might influence the ability of the person to give consent, e.g. learning disability / mental ill health.
Although they may sometimes appear to be making an informed choice, young people cannot and do not 'choose' abuse or exploitation. Recognising the underlying factors that can exacerbate risk will help practitioners understand and interpret apparent 'choices' and avoid the danger of apportioning blame.
Disruption Strategies Interventions Options Tools are listed in the National Guidance Section and provide updated risk and disruption toolkits for professional use. Note that they are set out under specific titles to assist a more in-depth understanding of specific cultures, vulnerabilities, or group/individual risks.
A template&nbsp;Disruption Letter to Known or Alleged Adults of Concern&nbsp;can also be found in the&nbsp;<a href="/resources/documents-library?root=0e6677bc-891b-4f76-a1a6-05fc711f0c33">Documents Library, report forms, referral forms and templates</a>.
It is common for children who are at risk of exploitation to feel unable to work with practitioners where the child does not relate to being exploited or they are fearful of reprisals or peer pressure. This is particularly noticeable if they believe that they are in love/excited by the attention/activities, have misplaced loyalties to others, are embarrassed or have financial needs met by the exploiter. The fear of the offender may mitigate fear of prosecution and may prevent children engaging with support. As such the level of coercion used to groom and abuse a child should never be underestimated.
The duty to protect a child does not rely on their wish to be protected.
The person with the best relationship with the child should lead the engagement of CRE work. Work must be relatable and appropriate to the needs and understanding of the child.

Intervention and Disruption

Low&nbsp;- when there is low level of risk, the threshold for Police or Social Care involvement is unlikely to be met, where this is in isolation of other safeguarding concerns. The CRE Risk Assessment should be regularly reviewed and should concerns increase a referral should be made to Social Care
See <a href="https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Ftrixcms.trixonline.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fassets%2Fderbyshirecaya%2F5ff01179-2133-4e94-8eba-29e3ee1481af%2Fce-workflow-140624.docx&amp;wdOrigin=BROWSELINK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Derbyshire CRE Operational Workflow</a>.
Medium or High level of Risk&nbsp;- any case recorded with a medium or high risk the outcome should be referred immediately to a manager.
Children at Risk of Exploitation (CRE) will be safeguarded at the appropriate tier of service balancing their level of risk and protective factors. This will be determined via a robust assessment process and threshold discussions.
<ul>
<li>All immediate risks will require an immediate telephone or online referral to both Social Care and the Police. Where there are concerns that a child is suffering or likely to suffer Significant Harm or at Risk of Exploitation, a CRE Risk Assessment should be completed within 24 hours and Children's Social Care will hold a Strategy Discussion / Meeting involving the Police, health and any relevant involved agency. See&nbsp;<a href="/chapter/child-protection-section-47-enquiries#strategy-discussions-meetings">Child Protection Section 47 Enquiries Procedure, Strategy Discussions / Meetings</a>.</li>
</ul>
For new referrals not already open to Social Care&nbsp;&ndash; send to Childrens Social Care for consideration of a Single Assessment and Threshold discussion.
In Derby&nbsp;referrals should be made to the Initial Response Team. Advice and support can also be sought from a Child Protection Manager. See&nbsp;<a href="https://myaccount.derby.gov.uk/en/service/report_concerns_about_a_child" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Derby Children's Social Care Online Referral System</a>.
In Derbyshire&nbsp;all new cases should be referred to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/children-and-families/support-for-families/starting-point-referral-form/starting-point-contact-and-referral-service.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Starting Point contact and referral service</a>. All open cases that are considered as high risk should be referred to the Child Protection Manager for Vulnerable Children (CPM-VC).
<h4>For open cases to Social Care</h4>
<ul>
<li>Derby&nbsp;&ndash; send to the Social Worker and Team Manager for a threshold discussion, inclusive of LAC;</li>
<li>Derbyshire&nbsp;- See<a href="https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Ftrixcms.trixonline.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fassets%2Fderbyshirecaya%2F5ff01179-2133-4e94-8eba-29e3ee1481af%2Fce-workflow-140624.docx&amp;wdOrigin=BROWSELINK" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Derbyshire CRE Operational Workflow</a>;</li>
<li>The Child Protection Manager for Vulnerable Children (CPM-VC) should be contacted immediately if the level of risk is thought to be High and will organise a CRE High Risk Meeting, if the risk level is agreed.</li>
</ul>

Level of Risk and Referral

Intelligence regarding exploitation is monitored through fortnightly police and partner tasking meetings. This intelligence may come from Operation Liberty forms, anonymous sources, or member of the public. If there is information to suggest a child is in possession of or showing interest in knives or other weapons, then they would also be discussed at the police Knife Crime Tasking meeting. There may be requests through either forum to complete work with the child and information can be shared with the forums through the relevant CRE leads or operational staff who attend.
A child who is assessed as Medium or High Risk of Exploitation will be allocated as a Safeguarding Investigation to an investigator from the Child Exploitation Investigation Team. The allocated officer will be the point of contact for partners in relation to information sharing and will be responsible for being involved in the development of Safety Plans, Trigger Plans and for the delivery of any police actions or interventions.
<h4>Where Children at Risk of Exploitation are Perpetrators of Crime</h4>
When a child is under investigation for a criminal offence, and exploitation is considered to be a potential driver for the criminality, then the Officer investigating the potential exploitation of the child will also investigate the crime for which the child is under investigation. Examples of such criminality would be Possession with Intent to Supply a Controlled Substance (drugs).
Where a child has been exploited, manipulated or forced to offend then there are specific defences available to them to prevent prosecution see <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/30/section/45" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 45 Modern Slavery Act 2015</a>&nbsp;and therefore exploitation needs to remain in the forefront of the investigators mind.
All cases of exploitation will be reviewed regularly, review meetings will consider the progress of the plan and further action required to reduce the risk. Please see <a href="https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Ftrixcms.trixonline.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fassets%2Fderbyshirecaya%2F5ff01179-2133-4e94-8eba-29e3ee1481af%2Fce-workflow-140624.docx&amp;wdOrigin=BROWSELINK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Derbyshire CRE Operational Work Flow</a>.
Where the Section 47 enquiry indicates there are a number of other concerns alongside the sexual exploitation, in particular neglectful or collusive parenting or where the CRE risks are very high, a Threshold discussion should be held with a Child Protection Manager. In exceptional circumstances consideration may need to be given for urgent protective steps to immediately safeguard the child. Any resultant Child Protection Plan must very clearly indicate the CRE risks and action to address them, alongside side any other safeguarding issues.

Police Response

Children who are at risk of exploitation will be supported either through Early Help provision, Child in Need (CIN) provision, Child Protection Plan or will be Children in Care. Both workflows will compliment this process.
Where the child is already subject to a Child Protection Plan for reasons unrelated to CRE, the Social Worker should complete the CRE Risk Assessment as above and liaise with the Child Protection Manager.
Plans for both CRE concerns and unrelated safeguarding concerns should be interlinked and complementary, ensuring ease of understanding for the family and the multi-agency group.
If the child is Looked After by the Local Authority, the Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) must also be informed of any emerging concerns. CRE Meetings will be additional to Looked After Reviews but the timing should be co-ordinated according to the needs of the child. The social worker must consult with the IRO to ensure that they have full oversight of the arrangements in place to help protect the child. The IRO should be invited to any separate meetings and minutes shared with them.
If a child has an Education Health Care plan (EHCP), the SEND officer should be informed of any emerging concerns in respect of exploitation and the EHCP should reference the CRE concerns.
Note, that where children are placed out of area, and are identified as being at risk of CRE, Derby City LA and Derbyshire County LA and the hosting authority should coordinate the response and ensure attendance at respective meetings. Where there are challenges to this, the social worker or team manager should discuss with a CPM, who will contact the hosting authority CRE lead. This is also the case for S17 16 and 17yrs young people, living out of area.
Other agencies inclusive of Health, Police and Education should also link with the areas in which the child has been moved and ensure appropriate and effective information sharing. For children placed within Derby or Derbyshire from other areas, information should be sought and escalated if not available.

Co-ordination of Other Processes including SEND

In Derbyshire, where concerns in relation to exploitation are identified for care leavers, the <a href="https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Ftrixcms.trixonline.co.uk%2Fapi%2Fassets%2Fderbyshirecaya%2F778bfb2a-c080-43fb-9149-ced78dc2c067%2Fleaving-care-exploitation-indicator-guidance.docx&amp;wdOrigin=BROWSELINK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Derbyshire Care Leavers at risk of exploitation indicator guidance &ndash; Care leaver exploitation indicator form</a>&nbsp;is to be used. The most appropriate practitioner to complete this piece of work with the young person will be identified by the team around the young person. This is a toolkit solely for post 18 vulnerable young adults who are open within Derbyshire's leaving care service.
The DDSCP Care Leaver CRE toolkit will inform involved practitioners as to the level and nature of risk for the young person, and support a framework of intervention and dispersal to help reduce the risk identified. Dependent on the urgency and nature of the risk, outcomes from the toolkit will be to either initiate a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.derbyshiresab.org.uk/professionals/multiagency-adult-risk-management.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Multiagency Adult Risk Management (MARM)</a>&nbsp;or refer to the monthly&nbsp;<a href="/resources/documents-library?root=5a23bd51-d68c-4488-a1a7-fe81f5736d00,d228dacd-4e76-49ed-99be-e26ff29b1773">Leaving Care Safety Panel</a>&nbsp;(Derbyshire Children's Services Online Procedures Documents Library, Children in Care and Care Leavers, Leaving Care and Transition) where multi agency oversight is required.
Please see the Derby City process for Care Leavers:
<a href="https://derbycsc.trixonline.co.uk/resources/local-resources?root=38e3334c-324e-4f59-ab8f-845535e544a1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Care Leavers Experiencing Risk and/or Exploitation Safeguarding Protocol</a>.

Care Leavers

<a href="https://tce.researchinpractice.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Multi-agency Practice Principles for responding to child exploitation and extra-familial harm</a>
<a href="https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/professionals/resources/child-exploitation-language-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Appropriate Language: Child Exploitation</a>
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/tackling-child-sexual-abuse-and-exploitation-update" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tackling child sexual abuse and exploitation: update</a>
National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-audit-on-group-based-child-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Baroness Casey's audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse ('grooming gangs') and government response</a>
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/county-lines-criminal-exploitation-of-children-and-vulnerable-adults" target="_blank" rel="noopener">County lines: criminal exploitation of children and vulnerable adults</a> - documents and promotional material related to the government&rsquo;s work to end county lines drug supply and exploitation.
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/money-mule-action-plan/money-laundering-linked-financial-exploitation-guidance-for-frontline-professionals-accessible" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Money laundering-linked financial exploitation: guidance for frontline professionals</a>
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crime-and-policing-bill-2025-factsheets/crime-and-policing-bill-child-criminal-exploitation-and-cuckooing-factsheet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crime and Policing Bill: child criminal exploitation, cuckooing (home takeover) and coerced internal concealment factsheet</a>
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/group-based-child-sexual-exploitation-characteristics-of-offending/characteristics-of-group-based-child-sexual-exploitation-in-the-community-literature-review-accessible-version" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Research and analysis: Characteristics of group-based child sexual exploitation in the community: literature review</a>
Disruption Strategies Interventions Options Tool
The links below provide updated risk and disruption toolkits for professional use.&nbsp; Note that they are set out under specific titles to assist a more in-depth understanding of specific cultures, vulnerabilities, or group/individual risks. Further information and links are also provided in key agency and resource contacts below. See also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-exploitation-disruption-toolkit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Child Exploitation Disruption Toolkit</a>.
<h3>Guidance Toolkits for Professionals from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.iicsa.org.uk/key-documents/21458/view/NAP000038.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supporting black and minority ethnic Children and young People experiencing Child Sexual Exploitation</a>;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.iicsa.org.uk/key-documents/22406/view/NAP000039.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supporting lgbtq+ Children and young People at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation</a>;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/professionals/resources/county-lines-toolkit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">County lines and criminal exploitation toolkit</a><a href="https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/professionals/resources/county-lines-toolkit">;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/professionals/resources/cse-toolkit-supporting-parents-carers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CSE toolkit for parents and carers</a>;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.iicsa.org.uk/key-documents/22338/view/NAP000046.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Working with deaf and physically disabled children and young people in relation to child sexual abuse And other forms of exploitation</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Prevent Toolkits</h3>
<h4>ACT Early assets</h4>
ACTION: Please share and encourage your partners to share the social media posts about the new&nbsp;<a href="https://actearly.uk/real-stories/#watch-micheals-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ACT Early videos</a>.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/actnforchildren" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X</a> (formerly Twitter);</li>
<li><a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffb.watch%2F9bpWNPwzSW%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7CAlice.Matthews%40met.police.uk%7C782d6f98df614dd76b3e08d9a4402240%7Cf3ee2a7e72354d28ab42617c4c17f0c1%7C0%7C0%7C637721417617642782%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=wih%2FJ6CprujOcRfsXTTiuAbaugvoCtI1s5LKXAxADNw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>;</li>
<li><a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Ffeed%2Fupdate%2Furn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6864139113377927168&amp;data=04%7C01%7CAlice.Matthews%40met.police.uk%7C782d6f98df614dd76b3e08d9a4402240%7Cf3ee2a7e72354d28ab42617c4c17f0c1%7C0%7C0%7C637721417617642782%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=vTI6kYrTqGrHwhgBH0mMlVXCRqnOsxOl05n4ot5HXrc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a>.</li>
</ul>
See the <a href="https://actearly.uk/real-stories/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ACT Early &ndash; Partners Toolkit</a>.
A news story is here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/counter-terrorism-policing-launch-innovative-new-letter-to-my-younger-self-videos/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Counter Terrorism Policing - Letter to my Younger Self</a>
Also see the following guidance:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-exploitation-of-children-and-vulnerable-adults-county-lines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Criminal Exploitation of Children and Vulnerable Adults: County Lines (Home&nbsp;Office)</a>&nbsp;- This guidance outlines what county lines (and associated criminal exploitation) is, signs to look for in potential victims, and what to do about it;</li>
<li><a href="https://contextualsafeguarding.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contextual Safeguarding Network (University of Bedfordshire)</a>;</li>
<li>Placed Based Risk (<a href="https://contextualsafeguarding.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contextual Safeguarding</a>);</li>
<li><a href="https://nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/what-we-do/crime-threats/modern-slavery-and-human-trafficking" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Hub (part of National Crime Agency)</a>;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/30/contents" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Modern Slavery Act 2015</a>;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prevent Strategy, Guidance and Duty (2021)</a>;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/joint-inspections-of-child-sexual-exploitation-and-missing-children" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joint inspections of child exploitation</a>;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-protocol-on-reducing-criminalisation-of-looked-after-children" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The National Protocol on reducing the unnecessary criminalisation of Looked After children and care leavers, November 2018</a>;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.lucyfaithfull.org.uk/research/the-role-of-protective-parenting-assessments-and-interventions-in-the-prevention-of-child-sexual-abuse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The role of protective parenting assessments and interventions in the prevention of child sexual abuse</a> - Information from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation on how parents and carers can protect their children from sexual harm.</li>
</ul>
The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/9/contents" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Serious Crime Act 2015</a>&nbsp;also considers response to Serious Youth Violence, where Criminal Exploitation is a concern.
It is important to understand grooming models:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/support-for-parents-and-carers/child-abuse-and-harm/child-sexual-abuse-and-exploitation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barnardo's</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/research-resources/briefings/grooming" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NSPCC</a>&nbsp;explain further.
See also:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE)</a>;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.saferderbyshire.gov.uk/what-we-do/safeguarding-children/say-something-if-you-see-something/say-something-if-you-see-something-campaign.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Say Something if you See Something</a>;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.saferderbyshire.gov.uk/what-we-do/domestic-abuse/strategy/strategy-and-policy.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Derbyshire Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Websites</h3>
Ivison Trust (formerly known as PACE -parents against child sexual exploitation):
<a href="https://ivisontrust.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https.ivisontrust.org.uk</a>
Safe and Sound:&nbsp;
Tel: 01332 362120 Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeandsoundgroup.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.safeandsoundgroup.org.uk</a>
NSPCC Child Trafficking Advice Centre:
Tel: 0808 800 5000 Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/child-trafficking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/child-trafficking/</a>
UK Safer Internet Centre:&nbsp;
Helpline: 0844 3814722 Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:helpline@saferinternet.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">helpline@saferinternet.org.uk</a> Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.saferinternet.org.uk</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Partnership:
<a href="https://www.ddscp.org.uk/case-reviews/learning-reviews/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DDSCP &ndash; Learning from Reviews</a>

National Guidance and Further Information

(Documents Library, Report Forms and Templates Section)

Child at Risk of Exploitation (CRE) Assessment for Professionals

Derby and Derbyshire Runaway or Missing from Home or Care Protocol

 (Documents Library, Guidance Documents Section)

Derby and Derbyshire Information Sharing Guidance for Practitioners

Self Harm and Suicidal Behaviour Guidance

Safeguarding Children and Young people against Radicalisation and Violent Extremism

The revised Prevent strategy was established in 2011 to form one part of the UK's overarching counter-terrorism strategy known as CONTEST. Working within the non-criminal space, "the purpose of Prevent is at its heart to safeguard and support vulnerable people to stop them from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism" (CONTEST 2018:31). In doing so, it aims to:
<ul>
<li>Tackle the causes of radicalisation and respond to the ideological challenges of terrorism;</li>
<li>Safeguard and support those most at risk of radicalisation through early intervention; identifying them and offering support; and</li>
<li>Enable those who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate.</li>
</ul>
Following its inception, the Prevent strategy has implemented a duty on specified authorities under&nbsp;<a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/6/contents/enacted" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section (s) 26 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act (CTSA) 2015</a>&nbsp;to, in the exercise of its functions, have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. Specified authorities listed under schedule 6 of the Act include, but are not limited to: local government; criminal justice; education and child care providers; health and social care; and the police. These authorities are judged to have an integral role in protecting vulnerable people and/or national security. To ensure adherence to the Prevent duty, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance/revised-prevent-duty-guidance-for-england-and-wales" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Revised Prevent Duty Guidance</a>, and other more specific guidance for specified authorities, has been published and specified authorities are required to have regard to such guidance in the exercise of their duty (CTSA 2015 s29).
Insofar as these statutory requirements make it a legislative duty to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism, Prevent is about safeguarding and not criminalisation. In the same way support is provided to those at risk of becoming involved in gangs, drugs, exploitation, or other forms of harm, individuals vulnerable to being groomed into violent extremism or terrorism should also be offered support. As such, the focus of Prevent on non-criminal space is integral, ensuring the pre-emption of criminal activity and the protection of both individuals and communities, rather than their criminalisation. To achieve this, Prevent uses early intervention, community engagement and resilience building to encourage individuals and communities to stand up to extremist ideologies and behaviours. Importantly, those who receive support under Prevent do not receive a criminal record.

Radicalisation is defined as "the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism" (HM Government Prevent Strategy, 2011).
"Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental (British) values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas." (HM Government Prevent Strategy, 2011).
Terrorism is defined as: "the use or threat of action, both in and outside of the UK, designed to influence any international government organisation or to intimidate the public.&nbsp;It must also be for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause" (The Crown Prosecution Service, 2018).
Vulnerability is defined as "the condition of being capable of being injured; difficult to defend, open to moral or ideological attack. Within Prevent, the word describes factors and characteristics associated with being susceptible to radicalisation" (HM Government Prevent Strategy, 2011).
Keeping children safe from these risks is a safeguarding matter and should be approached in the same way as safeguarding children from other risks.

Definition

Children and young people can be drawn into violence or they can be exposed to the messages of extremist groups by many means. These include: through the influence of friends and family members; direct contact with extremist groups and organisations. Online content in particular social media may pose a specific risk in normalising radical views and promoting content that is shocking and extreme; children can be trusting and may not necessarily appreciate bias.
Radicalisation involves "grooming", where the vulnerabilities of a young person are exploited to form an exclusive friendship which draws the young person away from the mainstream and towards radical and extreme ideologies. It is important to note however that Prevent insists on the maintenance of freedom of expression as per CTSA 2015 s31. As such, whilst radical and extreme views are not a risk in themselves, the vulnerabilities and behaviours exhibited as a result of an occupation on the fringes may well be a cause for concern. Subsequently, identifying&nbsp;risks requires practitioners to exercise their professional judgement and to seek further advice as necessary. See&nbsp;<a href="#support">Section 8, Support</a>.
Further, recent case evidence indicates that specific demographic groups have been targeted for radicalisation and grooming, which has led to attempts to travel to conflict zones. Where this risk has been identified,&nbsp;children's services should work with the police, schools and other relevant agencies to minimise this risk. In this situation, a number of actions can be implemented to protect the young person including preventing travel to conflict zones.&nbsp;For more information see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cancelling-the-passport-of-a-child-at-risk-of-radicalisation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cancelling the passport of a child at risk of radicalisation (GOV.UK)</a>.
Issues that may&nbsp;indicate a young person&nbsp;is vulnerable to radicalisation, can include:
<ul>
<li>Personal vulnerabilities/grievances &ndash; Identity crisis; mental ill health; neurodiversity/special needs/learning disability; isolation/exclusion; racism/discrimination; sense of injustice; searching for answers to questions about identity, faith and belonging; internet; feeling of failure; rejection from community values;</li>
<li>External vulnerabilities/grievances &ndash; e.g. foreign policy; global events; domestic policy; poverty; internet; inspirational speakers.</li>
</ul>

Risks

Those closest to the young person may first notice the following changes of behaviour:
<ul>
<li>General changes of mood, patterns of behaviour, secrecy;</li>
<li>Increased online behaviour and/or secrecy;</li>
<li>Changes of friends and mode of dress, excluding or being disdainful of certain friends or peers based on aspects of their identity;</li>
<li>Use of inappropriate language or use of specialised vocabulary and narratives;</li>
<li>Narrow/limited religious or political view;</li>
<li>Attendance at certain meetings e.g. rallies and articulating support for particular groups/ideas;</li>
<li>"Them" and "us" language/rhetoric;</li>
<li>Sudden unexplained foreign travel;</li>
<li>Possession of violent extremist literature and symbols;</li>
<li>The expression of extremist views;</li>
<li>Advocating violent actions and means;</li>
<li>Association with known extremists;</li>
<li>Seeking to recruit others to an extremist ideology.</li>
<li>Rejection of western policies, democracy and rule of law;</li>
<li>Closed to new ideas;</li>
<li>Questioning faith and identity.</li>
</ul>
Many referrals concerning young people are around on-line radicalisation, there is an obvious difference between supporting radical or extreme views, and acting upon them, practitioners should ensure that assessments place behaviour in the family and social context of the young person and include information about the young person's peer group and conduct and behaviour at school. Radical or extreme views is not illegal, but inciting a person to commit an act of terrorism in the name of any belief is in itself an offence. Vocabulary that is not typically used by a child of their age may also warrant further investigation, especially with younger children, this is often the only sign that anything is amiss.

Spotting the Signs

The radicalisation of a child or young person is most often a gradual process that happens over time. This provides opportunities to intervene and steer a vulnerable young person away from being drawn into terrorist-related activities. The multi agency Channel programme is an early intervention initiative to safeguard and support young people and adults who are identified as vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism at an early stage. It ensures individuals of any age, faith, ethnicity or background receive support before their vulnerabilities are exploited by those wanting them to embrace any criminal terrorist related activity.
In order to achieve the effective safeguarding of vulnerable individuals, s36-41 of the CTSA 2015 sets out a duty on local authorities and partners to establish and cooperate with a local Channel panel. Partners of local panels subject to the provision can be found in Schedule 7 of the CTSA 2015.
Channel is a confidential and voluntary process whereby safeguarding professionals assess the case and discuss the most appropriate support options. As such, individuals have the final say on whether they accept support or not. The support options on offer encompass an array of different interventions, addressing: educational, vocational, mental health and other vulnerabilities tailored to the individual's needs. Ideological support is also common, which may include discussion with credible ideological experts and faith leaders.
Anyone can make a referral, and they are received from a wide range of partners including communities, education, health, youth offending teams, police and children's social care.
Referrals are first screened for suitability through a preliminary assessment by the Police Prevent team. If appropriate, an assessment of the individual's vulnerabilities is made through a Prevent Assessment Framework which is based around three criteria:&nbsp;engagement&nbsp;with a cause, group or ideology;&nbsp;intent&nbsp;to cause harm; and&nbsp;capability&nbsp;to cause harm. If suitable, the case is then discussed at a Channel Panel comprised of relevant partners to decide what support is necessary.
If a practitioner is concerned that a child or young person is being radicalised, exploited or holds damaging and extreme ideologies they should discuss their concerns with the named or designated safeguarding lead in their organisation who can raise concerns to Channel if appropriate.
In most circumstances, consent should be sought prior to making a Channel referral. However, in some instances it may be appropriate to make a referral without seeking the consent of the individual, including when there are issues around: the health of the individual, law enforcement involvement or the protection of the public.
You can also contact the Derbyshire Constabulary Prevent Team on 0300 122 8694. You can also call the national police Prevent advice line 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to share your concerns with our specially trained officers. If it's an emergency, please call 999.
All Prevent referrals should be made through the Derbyshire Constabulary website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/t/prevent/prevent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prevent | Derbyshire Constabulary</a>&nbsp;- scroll to the foot of the screen to the button marked &ldquo;Make a Referral&rdquo;:.
Channel Email address:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:EMSOU-SB-Derbys@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EMSOU-SB-Derbys@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk</a>.

Early Help

Where concerns about the impact of radicalisation and extremism indicate that a child or young person is additionally vulnerable and has complex needs or they are at risk of significant harm, a referral should be made to children's social care. (See&nbsp;<a href="/chapter/making-a-referral-to-social-care">Making a Referral to Social Care Procedure</a>).
Practitioners, including those working as part of the Channel process, retain the responsibility to ensure that safeguarding concerns are referred to children's social care. In an emergency where immediate action is needed to safeguard a child or young person the police should be contacted on 999.
Common practice is to inform parents that a referral is being made unless it is likely to increase the risk to the child or young person. Experience has shown that parents are key in challenging radical views and extremist behaviour and should be included in interventions unless there are clear reasons why not.
On receipt of concerns about the welfare of children linked to radicalisation and extremism, children's social care will include the Channel Panel as part of the routine enquiries that are made to commence an assessment.

Complex Needs and Child Protection

Protecting children and young people from radicalisation and extremism requires careful assessment and collaborative working across agencies is crucial. This ensures the effective safeguarding and welfare of every child, young person and adult.&nbsp;Working collaboratively across agencies as initially concerns may be inconclusive and protecting a child or young person against a potential risk can be dependent on a wider range of factors. Sharing information effectively and keeping the child and young person referred in focus should be the main aim of any interventions and services.

Issues

The following organisations are able to provide additional advice and guidance in relation to safeguarding individuals vulnerable to radicalisation and children who may be at risk through living with or being in direct contact with known extremists:
<a href="https://www.derby.gov.uk/community-and-living/crime-prevention-community-safety/prevent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Derby City Council Prevent Team</a> Cohesion and Prevent Manager, Prevent Support Officer and Prevent Education Officer (PEO) Tel: 07765 222 032
Derbyshire County Council Prevent Team Senior Community Safety Officer Tel: 01629 538 494
<a href="https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/t/prevent/prevent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Derbyshire Constabulary Prevent Team</a> You can also contact the Prevent Team on 0300 122 8694. You can also call the national police Prevent advice line 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to share your concerns with our specially trained officers. If it's an emergency, please call 999.
If you see online material promoting terrorism or extremism, you can report it online. You can speak to your local policing team or your local council community team about helping run local events about Prevent.
Police Anti-Terrorist Hot Line number: 0800 789 321; or Derbyshire police: 101 (or for emergencies: call 999).
Report terrorism online via:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/report-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.gov.uk/report-terrorism</a>

Support

(see Documents Library, Report Forms and Templates)

Channel / Prevent Referral form

Prevent Strategy

Prevent Duty Guidance: for England and Wales

Prevent duty guidance: for further education institutions in England and Wales

Channel Duty Guidance: Protection vulnerable people from being draw into terrorism

Prevent Duty Toolkit for Local Authorities and Partner Agencies

Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE)

Radicalisation Cases in the Family Courts

Cancelling the passport of a child at risk of radicalisation (GOV.UK)

Educate against Hate

Prevent e-learning package

The Prevent Duty: Safeguarding Learners Vulnerable to Radicalisation

Prevent Duty Self-Assessment Tool for Schools

 - self-assessment tool to assist colleges and providers in the further education and skills (FE) sector in England to review their Prevent responsibilities

Guidance - Prevent Duty Self-assessment Tool: Further Education 

Operation liberty form - June 2024

Operation liberty form - June 2024.pdf

ref: op liberty ddscp march 24operation libertyinformation sharing form for professionalsthis information sharing form offers a multi-agency system of sharing information with derbyshire constabulary to aid keeping vulnerable people safe and to identify any existing or emerging risks in relation to their potential exploitation.  where there is an immediate concern relating to a child or adult, this information should be reported through recognised safeguarding referral processes within your organisation. partners and colleagues should not delay in providing information which could assist in the immediate safeguarding of an individual. prior to completing this form, practitioners may seek advice and support from a manager in their respective agencies. is there an immediate risk to any person(s) involved, or has a crime been committed risk of immediate harm)yes  – this must be reported via 101 or in cases of emergency 999  yes                             no** please note, if this information has been reported via 101/999 there is no requirement to also submit the information via operation liberty**date/time of concern: if unknown or ongoing please provide date range, e.g. between january 2024 and march 2024**this form is to reportintelligence in relation to exploitation only– it should not be used to report a crime**should the information/intelligence provided on the operation liberty form not be appropriate or relevant to exploitation, it will be sent back to the person completing the form.
ref: op liberty ddscp march 24location of concern to which this form relates:full address of any location linked to the information being shared:e.g. residential premises, schools, geographical area(s), taxi companies, hotels, take aways, restaurants etc.full details of person involved details of child/vulnerable adult(s)full name:dobnick names, partial names and aliases:address:telephone number:description:other person(s): (details of person(s) who pose a risk of harm to the individual(s))full name:dobnick names, partial names and aliases:address:telephone number:description:
other person(s): (details of person(s) who pose a risk of harm to the individual(s))full name:dobnick names, partial names and aliases:address:telephone number:description:other person(s): (details of person(s) who pose a risk of harm to the individual(s))full name:dobnick names, partial names and aliases:address:telephone number:description:other person(s): (details of person(s) who pose a risk of harm to the individual(s))full name:dobnick names, partial names and aliases:address:telephone number:description:
online exploitation concerns:details of any online platforms and social media, including  username, passwords and screenshots.   list all devices used e.g. mobile phone, tablet, pc and game consoles etc.  other relevant informationphone numbers, vehicle information, bank accounts etc. ref: op liberty ddscp march 24
ref: op liberty ddscp march 24source of this information, if different to the person completing the form:full name:d.o.b.contact number:email address:addressconfirm if you are happy to be contacted about the information provided and any further information in the future.do you wish to remain anonymous?details of your report: (be as detailed as possible about the context and nature of the concern)name and job title of person completing this form:full name:d.o.b.job title:contact number:email address:address
ref: op liberty ddscp march 24please confirm these concerns have been shared with the below:once this form has been fully completed send to the e-mail address below:police:- socex@derbyshire.police.ukderby city childrens servicesderbyshire county childrens servicesderby city adult safeguarding servicesderbyshire adult safeguarding services. 


CRE Risk Assessment July 2022.docx

DDSCP CRE Strategy 2018-2021 - under review.pdf

                                                                                        1 derby & derbyshire lscb’s – (kb) july 2018 v8 derby city and derbyshire safeguarding children boards  children at risk of exploitation strategy 2018-2021  introduction the children at risk of exploitation (cre) strategy aims to ensure that cre is understood across derbyshire and derby city local authorities and is intrinsic in the safeguarding responsibility of all partners. the safeguarding children board will seek to create an environment where the exploitation of children is identified, challenged and prevented across the whole county and city areas.  the traction and success of the strategy will be driven by the action plan developed on behalf of the derby city and derbyshire county safeguarding children board.  there will be increased awareness raising with all children and their families to inform them of the types of child exploitation and how support and protection can be delivered.    our vision is to ensure that children, young people and their families whose lives are affected by exploitation will receive a high level of support, protection, and that offenders are held accountable for their actions, and brought to justice.  this children at risk of exploitation strategy will focus on the following priorities: 1. strong leadership and partnership approach 2. that a young person may continue to require support until the age of 25. 3. participation of children and young people in their meetings 4. identification 5. prevention and early intervention 6. cross cutting approach 7. disruption, protection and  prosecution 8. recovery  definition of exploitation it is recognised that children may now be affected by ‘modern day risks’ and that exploitation does not recognise race, ability, disability, sexual orientation, gender  or class and all children are vulnerable to exploitation. while exploitation is child abuse, this strategy will no longer identify child sexual exploitation as a single risk as research informs that children are at risk of a myriad of exploitative behaviours in modern day society and may move between these dependent on their level of need. exploitation may be evident through a range of behaviours including:    child sexual exploitation   female genital mutilation  forced marriage and honour base violence  
                                                                                        2 derby & derbyshire lscb’s – (kb) july 2018 v8  trafficking and county lines 1(1)  modern day slavery  extremism and radicalisation  poor mental health   missing and homelessness   cyber and off and online abuse   gang related activity  national context  cre is a growing concern across the country and both government and local authorities have all seen the impact that exploitation has had on children. through research, lessons learnt activity along with local and national intelligence, local authorities have a better understanding of how sexual exploitation links to other behaviours which put children at risk of exploitative harm.  responses in derby and derbyshire the cre young people’s sub group will be responsible for developing and implementing an action plan to deliver the above aims with objectives to identify, prevent, protect, prosecute and recovery on behalf of the safeguarding children boards. each agency will include relevant aspects of the strategy and action plan in their own service or business plans. the local safeguarding children boards (lscbs) will maintain and review cre procedures and deliver the necessary multi-agency training to develop managers and practitioners and improve practice.  the priority 1: strong leadership  the focus of this strategic priority is recognition of the importance of ongoing strong leadership to successfully tackle cre. this is especially so from political leaders, chief executives and senior managers in all organisations, together with leaders within partner agencies. participation of young people, the two lscbs and partner agencies seek to work together to reduce the level of risk and harm from exploitation equally through:   promoting attendance at strategy meetings  guidance leaflets  seeking feedback   publicity campaigns                                                            1 county lines is the police term for urban gangs supplying drugs to suburban areas and market and coastal towns using dedicated mobile phone lines or “deal lines”. it involves child criminal exploitation (cce) as gangs use children and vulnerable people to move drugs and money. gangs establish a base in the market location, typically by taking over the homes of local vulnerable adults by force or coercion in a practice referred to as ‘cuckooing’.  
                                                                                        3 derby & derbyshire lscb’s – (kb) july 2018 v8 priority 2: participation of children and young people in meetings the focus of this priority is to ensure that all children who are subject to or at risk of exploitation have a clear voice which is heard by those working with them. this will be especially the case for children who attend child sexual exploitation meeting .the response to exploitation will be shaped by research and what children tell us about their experiences. for those meetings where children do not attend there will be an expectation that their views and opinions are recorded. our work will be evaluated by children and young people and their families to ensure services are effective in meeting the identified needs.   priority 3: identification to identify those at risk of experiencing exploitation and those who exploit we will ensure robust partnership arrangements continue to be developed. there will be multi-agency meetings where data and intelligence is shared to identify exploitation and create an accurate and comprehensive mapping of local issues. this will include the connection with children who go missing from home or care.  priority 4: prevention and early intervention the focus of this priority is to ensure that professionals and residents in the two local authorities live and work in an environment that promotes healthy relationships and friendships, gender equality, and safeguarding, preventing the sexual exploitation of children as a result, and building the resilience of those who are more vulnerable.  the awareness raising of cre within the wider community, including parents and carers through education, campaigns, within schools and private services including the night time economy to build resilience and strengthen protective factors. we will continue to develop the work undertaken with taxi and psv drivers as well as with hoteliers and door staff along with other licensees under the national working group (nwg) banner of say something if you see something campaign.   the aim of the campaign is to engage and empower partners, businesses and the public to recognise and report cre, the campaign will also highlight the risk of children becoming victims of modern day slavery.  further work will be undertaken with staff and partners to raise awareness of, and encourage referrals into the police operation liberty.  such awareness promotes the ability to help drive down tolerance and prevents opportunities for exploitation.     
                                                                                        4 derby & derbyshire lscb’s – (kb) july 2018 v8 priority 5: cross cutting approach  this priority will seek to ensure that robust multi-agency responses will continue to be developed at a strategic and operational level underpinned by an effective strategy and action plan with an objective to:  engage children, young people and their parents and carers to ensure services are effective in meeting identified needs.  develop and strengthen our partnership arrangements to ensure that children and young people vulnerable to cre are the focus of all key children strategies. to ensure that partnership arrangements have a consistent and integrated approach to issues affecting children and young people in relation to other identified risks.  priority 6: disruption, protection and prosecution  the focus of this priority is to ensure that children who are at risk of, or are being, exploited are provided with sufficient information to raise awareness of modern day risks through enhancing their knowledge in line with their age and understanding. we will put protective measures in place to safeguard children from harm and to ensure that offenders are brought to justice. the strategy will seek to disrupt, protect and prosecute. disruption:  enhance children’s awareness of exploitation including on line abuse.   support children who may be more vulnerable of exploitation.  improve the staff awareness across all agencies.  promote corporate and community understanding and responsibility.  prevent opportunities for offenders, using shared intelligence and focus on identified hot spots.  agencies utilising all legal measures available to them to disrupt predatory behaviours with better use of child warning abduction notices (cawn) to support prosecution and conviction.  protection:  early interventions to identify cre are implemented as quickly as possible.  intervention to be targeted, assertive and persistent through risk assessment and analysis.  ensure that children have their needs assessed and the level of risk established, though approved tool kits, risk assessment and solution focussed intervention.  are protected through a multi-agency plan at an appropriate level.  are supported to work with others to reduce or remove risk. 
                                                                                        5 derby & derbyshire lscb’s – (kb) july 2018 v8  targeted training and supervision within the workforce to develop skills and knowledge.   prosecution:  maximising the detection and prosecution of offenders through identification of perpetrator behaviours and areas of risk.  effective evidence gathering.  effective prosecutions of offenders.  support to victims and witnesses in prosecutions.  disrupting perpetrator behaviour, including use of ancillary orders, with identified individuals and working with our partner agencies to promote this.  priority 7: recovery  this priority will seek to ensure that cre are provided with the care and intervention to enable them to develop into young people and adults who are able to engage in healthy trusting relationships.  where additional support is identified we will make provision available through multi-agency partnerships for personal and/or therapeutic support for children and young people.  some young people may also have needs which extend beyond their 18th birthday; this strategy will link to adult safeguarding processes.  this cross-cutting approach will be co-ordinated and overseen by the lscbs sub group to which the cse operational group reports.  agencies also need to work across local authority and national borders as young people can be very mobile, or can be subject to trafficking. monitoring, reporting, evaluation and success the lscbs have a responsibility to monitor the incidence of specific vulnerabilities affecting children and young people. agencies will need to supply performance and monitoring information as required to the cre sub-groups, for analysis and submission to the board to promote our ability to reflect on learning and to develop our action plan. in order to comply with national guidance the cre co-ordinators will compile a cre annual report  for the boards and partner agencies , this will include specific information on cse in addition to information on other vulnerabilities children have been exposed. the report will be published on the lscb websites.       
                                                                                        6 derby & derbyshire lscb’s – (kb) july 2018 v8 references and key reports  nov 2013 if only someone had listened: office of the children's commissioner's inquiry into child sexual exploitation in gangs and groups final report https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/publication/if-only-someone-had-listened/  jan 2014 statutory guidance on children who run away or go missing from home or care roles and responsibilities when a child goes missing from care and organisational flowchart ( department of education) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/children-who-run-away-or-go-missing-from-home-or-care aug 2014 independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation in rotherham (1997 – 2013) a. jay http://www.rotherham.gov.uk/downloads/file/1407/independent_inquiry_cse_in_rotherham oct 2014 real voices; child sexual exploitation in greater manchester an independent report by ann coffey, mp http://79.170.44.130/anncoffeymp.com/new-website/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/real-voices-final.pdf feb 2015 report of inspection of rotherham metropolitan borough council february 2015 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/401125/46966_report_of_inspection_of_rotherham_web.pdf mar 2015 tackling child sexual exploitation report, (dfe) https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/408604 /2903652_rotherhamresponse_acc2.pdf oct 2015 “if it’s not better, it’s not the end” − inquiry into child sexual exploitation in gangs and groups: one year on https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/publication/if-its-not-better-its-not-the-end/ oct 2015 child sexual exploitation pathway -clarifies the role of the school nursing service regarding child sexual exploitation. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/512907/2903823_phe_child_sexual_exploitation_accessible_final.pdf jan 2016 joint inspections of child sexual exploitation and missing children (jtai). inspection guidance and reports on the multi-agency response to child sexual exploitation, children associated with gangs and at risk of exploitation and missing children. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/joint-inspections-of-child-sexual-exploitation-and-missing-children mar 2016 an independent review of south yorkshire police’s handling of child sexual exploitation 1997 – 2016 professor john drew cbe 23 march 2016 http://www.drewreview.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/syp030-final-report.pdf 
                                                                                        7 derby & derbyshire lscb’s – (kb) july 2018 v8 dec 2016 an independent review by dame louise casey into opportunity and integration https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-casey-review-a-review-into-opportunity-and-integration feb 2017 child sexual exploitation: definition & guide for professionals: extended text https://www.beds.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/536175/uob-rip-cse-guidancefeb2017.pdf jul 2017 child sexual exploitation: how public health can support prevention and intervention (public health england) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/629315/phe_child_exploitation_report.pdf april 2018 the serious violence strategy sets out the government’s response to serious violence and recent increases in knife crime, gun crime and homicide. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/serious-violence-strategy may 2018 keeping children safe in education, statutory guidance for schools and colleges on safeguarding children and safer recruitment https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2?utm_source=513cc7ac-ff11-4bb9-b455-a1f017ecd8b5&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate july 2018 working together to safeguard children. a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children--2  appropriate language: child sexual and/or criminal exploitation: guidance for professionals https://www.csepoliceandprevention.org.uk/sites/default/files/guidance%20app%20language%20toolkit.pdf  derbyshire integrated sexual health service – your sexual health matters https://www.yoursexualhealthmatters.org.uk/  derbyshire 0-19 healthy child programme – providing a programme of prevention and early intervention services for children, young people and their families in derbyshire.  http://www.derbyshirehs.org.uk/  cgl drug and alcohol outreach service for young people up to the age of 19 in derbyshire https://www.changegrowlive.org/young-people/derbyshire-cgl-young-peoples-service     
