Devon Safeguarding Children s Board Child Sexual Exploitation Risk Assessment Tool v. 12/11/15

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1 Devon Safeguarding Children s Board Child Sexual Exploitation Risk Assessment Tool v. 12/11/15 What is Child Sexual Exploitation? See Barnados Puppet on a String for more guidance Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of child abuse. It happens when a young person is encouraged, or forced, to take part in sexual activity in exchange for something. The reward might be presents, money, alcohol, or simply emotional attention. It can happen to any child or young person. It might seem like a normal friendship or relationship to begin with. It can happen online or offline, and without the young person being aware of it. There are three main models of CSE to be aware of: Peer exploitation (Boyfriend model): The young person is in a relationship with another young person who is coercing them into some form of sexual activity with their friends. Inappropriate relationships: The young person is in a relationship with an older partner who exerts a great deal of influence and control over them due to an imbalance of power. The young person is likely to believe they are in a serious adult relationship and not recognise its exploitative nature. Organised exploitation: The young people (often connected) are passed through networks, possibly over geographical distances, between towns and cities where they may be forced /coerced into sexual activity with multiple people. Often this occurs at sex parties, and young people who are involved may be used as agents to recruit others into the network. Purpose of this assessment The purpose of this assessment is to identify young people and care leavers who are at risk of sexual exploitation or who are already being sexually exploited so that appropriate interventions can be put in place. In order to reach a conclusion about risk, the tool guides the assessor through the identification of vulnerabilities, behaviours, relevant concerns and indicators present in a young person who might be at risk or experiencing sexual exploitation. Who should complete an assessment where can they get advice from? Any professional working with children in Devon should undertake an assessment if they have concerns about a situation relating to child sexual exploitation. If you know the child is open to social care you should liaise with the child s social worker about your concerns so that they can complete the assessment within the individual s record and ensure any actions are coordinated. If the child is not open to social care and you are not sure if your concerns relate to child sexual exploitation or you need help completing the assessment you can call the MASH on and request advice from the REACH team ( Reducing Exploitation and Absence from Care and Home. Your call will be taken by a customer services advisor who will forward your details and enquiry to the REACH team so that they can respond. What should you do once you complete an assessment? Once you have made the assessment please follow the guide at the end of the form. If a child is in danger or you need an immediate police response call 999

2 Contents and Navigation Section Description Page 1. Person completing Add the details of the person completing this assessment 3 2. Young Person details Add the details of the Young person the assessment is for 3 3. Vulnerabilities (Health and Home) 4. Missing & Absence History 5. Online and mobile phone use concerns 6. Associates, friends and relationships of concerns The section describes what makes children particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation. Check the boxes for any vulnerabilities that you are aware and provide information where you are asked to do so. Going missing puts children at greater risk of being sexually exploited and is also an indicator of sexual exploitation. This section will usually be completed by the social worker or the REACH team in Devon Country Council to give an overview of the young person s missing and absence history. Record any concerns in relation to risky behaviour, potential grooming and sexual exploitation in relation to online or image sharing activities. Record any concerns in relation to risky or potentially exploitative relationships the young person has relating to other children, peers, young people, adults, partners Location Concerns Record any concerns in relation to locations the young person visits. 8. Vehicle concerns Record any concerns in relation to vehicles the young person has been seen using Presentation Changes / CSE Indicators Record any changes to the young person s presentation that could indicate they are being groomed or exploited. Categories include: Possessions, Appearance, Behaviour, Health Protective Factors Record any protective factors in the Young Person life that you are aware of that may help mitigate the risks identified Risk Analysis and recommendations Record your analysis of the sexual exploitation risk (high, medium or low), whether you believe the child is being groomed or exploited and the type of any exploitation suggested by the information you have Guidance Guide to assist assessment of whether the child is at a Low, Medium or High risk of sexual exploitation and weather the child is currently being exploited. 2 10

3 1. Details of the Person Completing the CSE Risk Assessment Name of the Assessor/ worker Agency and Service Job Title Contact address Name of Child Protection Lead Date of Assessment 2. Young Person s Details Name Age and DOB CareFirst ID/CAPITA one/holistix ID Police Log number/ URN number/crime reference number Gender Religion Ethnicity Language Spoken Address Telephone Number house and mobile No & Street Town Postcode House Mobile Status of the young Person Not open to Childrens Social Care Child in Need Child Protection Child in Care Devon Child Child in Care Child placed in Devon Section 20 Care Leaver Unknown Education Status In full time education Elected home educated On reduced timetable Not on school roll School/Education Establishment attended Type of school School Attendance Details of any persistent absence Any exclusions No. of school moves in last 12 months Pick list (Mainstream, Special School, Schools company (Pupil Referral Unit, Alternative (Internal), Alternative (External), Alternative Provider) 3

4 3. Vulnerabilities Health Vulnerabilities Low mood, self-esteem or suicidal tendencies Unsure about their sexual orientation, or unable to disclose sexual orientation to their family Mental health Learning disabilities / difficulties Physical disabilities Recent bereavement or loss of close family or friend Under the age of 13 and believed to be sexually active Previous exposure to child sexual exploitation (in relation to friends, siblings or self) or sexual, emotional or physical abuse or neglect drugs misuse (including New Psychoactive Substances) Alcohol misuse Home life vulnerabilities Living in a chaotic or dysfunctional household (including lack of parental supervision, parental substance use, domestic abuse, parental mental health issues, parental criminality, ) A family member or known associate working in the adult sex trade Estranged from Family Conflict at home around boundaries and staying out late Migrant/ Refugee/Asylum Seeker Child cares for members of family Young Person is in Local Authority Care Young person has been placed in Devon to protect them / separate them from danger elsewhere. Unhappy with placement / placement unsuitable Living in hostel, bed and breakfast accommodation Street Homeless Inappropriate sleeping arrangement (e.g. sofa surfing) Child not in school If yes to any above please provide any significant information 4

5 4. Missing and Absence History The child has repeat missing or absence episodes. Period Missing Absent Last month Last 3 months Last 6 months Last 12 months The child is considered to be at the following risk when they go missing (from return home interview risk assessment) High Risk Medium Risk What is the young person running from? What is the young person running to? There is no reliable information about what the child does or where they go The Child is not engaging with Return Home Interviews Child disappears from support networks (friends, school, agencies ) for extended periods There are hidden missing episodes not being reported to police, if yes include details below Analysis or additional information 5. Online & mobile usage concerns The way the child is using social media puts them at increased risk of being groomed or exploited Which media / sites are being used Details of concern (please complete section 6 for any particular relationships of concern) Child has a second mobile phone The use of online devices is secretive or there is no oversight or checking of the child s online activity The child is being asked to share images of themselves or personal information online or by text Full name of requester DOB or age of requester Type Method Guidance: Please include details of type of image being shared (non sexual / sexual) and method ( how the image is shared, when how often they are being shared and whether the child is being coerced by repeat requests, gifts or threats) Analysis or additional information 5

6 6. Associates, friends and relationships of concerns Is the child meeting or spending time with particular people who are a concern either socially, at school, other formal settings or via the internet? This could include peers, partners, adults or children. Full Name Age / DOB Relationship What s the concern: please be explicit if there are concerns around potential or previous CSE involvement. Any related location of concern Guidance for what s the concern? The person is grooming child for abuse or exploitation Believed to be involved in grooming / exploitation Known to be involved in grooming / exploitation / sex with juveniles Inappropriate power or control over the young person (physical, emotional, financial) Child is in a relationship where the age difference is a concern Person has taken advantage of a situation when the child was vulnerable for sex Hosting parties where drink / drugs / car rides are free Introducing child to wider network of associates and encouraging new sexual relationships Gang or criminal association or associating with other adults of CSE concern Known to be meeting the person for sex in exchange for money, drugs or other gifts Person has offered money in return for modelling / photo sessions or other activities Clipping (the child is offering to have sex with people and then running upon payment Meeting unknown people following initial contact online or through other forum Another connected young person who also may be at risk Supplies drugs, or alcohol to under 18s 7. Location concerns Is the child going places that are of a concern? Address / location / Postcode When is location being visited Details of concern Guidance for location concerns: Visiting or going missing to known CSE hot spot locations Having access to premises unknown to parents/carers Seen /or picked up, in known red light district, cottaging locations or CSE hotspot Child describes being locked in at a location Child is being sexually exploited at location 6

7 8. Vehicle concerns Being seen getting into unknown / suspicious vehicles When and where Make, model, colour Vehicle Registration Number 9. Presentation concerns Has an aspect of the child s presentation has recently changed that may indicate they are being sexually exploited Detail of changes When this was noticed? Guidance on changes that are of concern: Possessions: The child has money, clothes, mobiles or other possessions not compatible with actual income. Behaviours Withdrawn from friends or family, Increased or onset of alcohol or drug consumption Expressed suicidal thoughts, planned suicide or attempted suicide Started to self harm or developed an eating disorder Become difficult or challenging at home or school. Change in school attendance Started to acting older than their age, particularly with respect to relationships. Making allegations or disclosures which are then retracted Appearance Appearing well cared for after periods of absence Attempting to make themselves appear older than they are by changing, hair, clothes or make up. Weight loss or neglect of self-care Health Repeated use of emergency contraception Obtaining large quantities of condoms Multiple sexually transmitted infections, of particular concern would be if these are over multiple sites, Physical injuries such as bruising indicative of physical or sexual assault, Multiple terminations or abortions, 7

8 10. Protective Factors Please provide details of any relevant the protective factors that are in place within the young person s life that mitigate against any CSE risks identified. Protective factors include: Positive relationships the young person has with age appropriate peers or family where they feel they can talk openly Is engaged in hobbies or leisure activities Being supported and engaging with services to address specific needs Parents Social Professional Services School / Education Other 8

9 11. Analysis and recommendations Current Level of Child Sexual Exploitation Risk If High Risk is the young person currently being groomed? If High Risk is the young person experiencing Sexual Exploitation? High / Medium / Low Yes / No Yes / No If experience sexual exploitation what is the model based on information available to you? Inappropriate relationships / Peer exploitation / Organised exploitation If the young person is at high risk of CSE please make sure you have identified any other Young People that may also be at risk that need to be considered in section 6 Are their any gaps in information about this child, their associates or any areas of concern that you need assistance to fill? Young Person s Perception of Risk Parents / Carers (inc. within Residential unit) Perception of Risk Current safeguarding approach Assessor analysis, professional judgement and recommendations for action Prevention Protection Disruption Treatment Manager s comments Date for Review 9

10 12. CSE Risk Guidance No risk No action required Low Risk Description The Young Person s circumstances in section 3 make them slightly more vulnerable to CSE and / or there may be some concerns about behaviours or associations identified in sections 4-8 that slightly increases the risk of CSE. They are not considered to be a current target for grooming or exploitation. They have needs that can be addressed by a single agency to prevent any escalation in risk. Action to be taken Consider early help preventative work on risk awareness, staying safe and appropriate relationships Review Annually or following any change in circumstances Medium Risk Description The Young Person s circumstances in section 3 make them vulnerable to CSE and / or there are concerns about behaviours or associations in sections 4-8 that could develop into sexually exploitative situations without a change in circumstance or attitude. There may be some changes in presentation in section 9 but it is not considered this indicates grooming or exploitation. The Young Person s needs require a multi-agency response to address CSE concerns and reduce risk. Action Undertake Early Help assessment (DAF) if not already in place Convene Team Around the Child meeting to agree CSE Prevention and Protection actions. Contact the MASH ( ) if you are unsure about the level of risk and whether to make a MASH enquiry. Submit CSE Risk Assessment to next MACSE meeting for information sharing to ensure a full picture of the CSE risk has been developed. Review Every 6 months or following any change in circumstances High Risk Description The Young Person s circumstances in section 3 make them vulnerable to CSE and / or there are significant concerns about behaviours or associations in sections 4-8 that suggest the young person may be exploited at any point. It is highly likely there are changes in presentation identified in section 9. The child may be being groomed or; The Young Persons behaviours, associations or changes in presentation suggest they are being sexually exploited. The Young person has complex needs that require multi-agency child protection action Action MASH enquiry to be made if Young Person is not already known to DCC Children s Social Care Multi-agency strategy required to determine CSE Prevention, Protection, Disruption and Treatment actions. An effective response must prioritise the identification, disruption and prosecution of suspected perpetrators and the identification of the child social network to understand if other children are at High Risk. Submit CSE Risk Assessment to next MACSE meeting for information sharing to ensure a full picture of the CSE risk has been developed Review Every 3 months as a minimum or more frequent if circumstance require. 10

11 Where to send assessment Please note the submission of this assessment does not constitute an action to protect the Young Person. If the Young Person needs protecting consider what action you can take now. If a child is in immediate danger call 999. MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub): If you are making a MASH enquiry please send this assessment with the MASH enquiry form to: mashsecure@devon.gcsx.gov.uk If you believe that urgent action is needed because, for example, a child needs accommodation, phone the MASH on and give as much information as you can. Your information will be passed immediately to a manager who will decide the action needed and will normally respond to you within one hour. You must follow up your telephone call by sending a completed referral form and CSE assessment to the MASH within 48 hours MACSE (Missing and Child Sexual Exploitation forum) In order for a case to be submitted to a MACSE meeting for information sharing send this assessment to:missingchildsexualexploitationsecur box@devon.gcsx.gov.uk MACSE Purpose The primary purpose of the MACSE is to develop the best possible understanding of those likely to commit child sexual exploitation, those children particularly vulnerable to being sexually exploited and how the two groups relate to each other so the most effective prevention, protection and disruption actions can be developed and implemented by the safeguarding partnership within that area. MACSEs are made up of a multi-agency group of professionals who together form the hub of knowledge relating to Child Sexual Exploitation risk and activity within that MACSE area. The MACSE information sharing process supports those responsible for protecting children and pursuing offenders by ensuring all agencies pool their collective knowledge of individuals and situations when a concern is first raised. The MACSE can add particular value by identifying wider networks of CSE risk that may not otherwise have been identified and ensure Complex Strategy meetings are initiated at an appropriate time with the information required to enable an effective meeting to take place. MACSEs are not an emergency response mechanism and do not replace existing procedures for child protection concerns or individual case planning. The secondary purpose of the MACSE is to use its knowledge to support Lead Professionals identify and implement effective CSE risk reduction plans. It does this by reviewing which initiatives work and which do not within the MACSE area, linking in good practice across and outside Devon and receiving briefings on regional and national CSE issues so that it can advise on a case by case basis. 11