Ofsted: Councils failing to protect children from CSE

Ofsted’s thematic review of eight councils' safeguarding arrangements reveals that some had only recently implemented CSE strategies, while two are yet to put any plans in place. This is despite statutory guidance outlining local authorities’ responsibilities in the area first being published in August 2009.

The inspectorate found inconsistency in the quality of care planning for young people, leaving some exposed to the risk of sexual exploitation. In addition, too many councils were judged to not be doing enough to protect vulnerable groups such as children who run away from care and regular school truants.

The Sexual Exploitation of Children: It Couldn’t Happen Here, Could It? report, shows that the failures are also preventing authorities from protecting victims of CSE and from prosecuting perpetrators.

The review, launched in the wake of the Rotherham child abuse scandal, is based on inspections of Brent, Bristol, Camden, Kent, Luton, Oldham, Rochdale and Rotherham councils, 30 care homes, and the views of 200 professionals and 150 young people.

The report criticises councils for failing to collect and share sufficient information about CSE with partner agencies, such as police and health services.

The inspectorate claims that the lack of information means that local authorities are unable to develop an accurate picture of CSE in their local areas, making it difficult to make a positive difference to at-risk children or victims of CSE.

The report also warns that where local arrangements are in place, they are often underdeveloped and lack leadership.

Ofsted is now calling on local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs) to ensure that councils have robust arrangements in place to tackle CSE.

Debbie Jones, Ofsted’s national director for social care, said the failures highlighted in the report are unacceptable.

She said: “While we have found examples of excellent frontline practice, it is clear that some areas have moved faster, further and more effectively than others.

“LSCBs in particular must step up to be the driving force in prevention, making full use of the range of policing and other powers available to them to disrupt CSE.

“We are calling on all local authorities and their partners to ensure that they have a comprehensive multi-agency strategy and action plan in place to tackle CSE.”

David Simmonds, chair of the Local Government Association's children and young people board, said: "Protecting children from harm is one of the most important things that councils do. While some local authorities are making positive strides to protect young people, it's clear that others have been too slow to step up to the plate and must do more to stop any cases where children could be at risk.

"This report makes for uncomfortable reading and councils across the country will now be reflecting on its implications and asking questions of their staff to ensure we are doing everything possible to protect each and every child.

"We need to see better local working with the police and NHS to proactively review the processes used every day to keep children and young people safe. Schools, GP's surgeries, charities and community groups also have a vital role in identifying and reporting any cases where children could be at risk."

Sir Tony Hawkhead, chief executive of Action for Children, said that local authorities must do more to protect children.

He said: “It is distressing that this report highlights failings that have been highlighted so many times before.

“It’s important to call for a change in procedures, but the only way to get to the root of the issue is to listen to young people and truly understand their lives.”

A report by the communities and local government committee, published yesterday, found organised CSE to be widespread across England and called on councils to fully investigate any concerns.