CYP Now - Local authorities devise plans to beat child sexual exploitation

Despite recent reports criticising child protection agencies for failings over their handling of sexual exploitation, some local authorities are taking the lead on awareness-raising to tackle the problem and identify those at risk.

As the collective response to child sexual exploitation (CSE) continues to gear up in the wake of the scandal in Rotherham, a study by Ofsted has shed light on how a selection of councils are faring.

Published last month, Ofsted's thematic inspection on CSE analysed arrangements in eight authorities - Brent, Bristol, Camden, Kent, Luton, Oldham, Rochdale and Rotherham.

Although the report highlights good practice on a number of occasions, it pulls no punches in criticising areas of work where councils are not doing enough.

It flags up specific concerns around a lack of effective multi-agency partnership working, poor training for professionals on CSE, and raising awareness of the issue among young people.

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